Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., announced on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection this year, withdrawing just minutes before the filing deadline. In a video statement, Daines expressed gratitude for his time in office but decided against running again.
Key Takeaways
Montana Sen. Steve Daines announced he will not seek reelection just minutes before the filing deadline, paving the way for Kurt Alme to run as his successor. President Trump quickly endorsed Alme.
- Senator Steve Daines withdraws from reelection bid at the last minute
- Kurt Alme files to run for Senate seat eight minutes before the deadline
- President Donald Trump endorses Alme shortly after Daines' announcement
- Independent candidate Seth Bodnar criticizes Daines for not giving Montana Republicans a voice in the election
Daines filed to run but pulled his application minutes before the 5 p.m. MT deadline on Wednesday. Just eight minutes before the deadline, Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed his paperwork to run for the seat. Shortly after, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he endorses Alme.
"Kurt Alme is an exceptional person, and will do a fantastic job as your next United States Senator from the Great State of Montana -- HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" the post said. Alme served as a U.S. attorney during Trump's first administration and worked as a state budget director under Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Also running for the seat is Seth Bodnar, former president of the University of Montana, who is running as an independent. Democrat Reilly Neill, a former state representative, is also running, along with Air Force veteran Alani Bankhead; Army and Navy veteran Michael Hummert; and Michael Black Wolf, a preservation officer and community leader from the Fort Belknap Indian Community.
Daines served in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015 and has been a Senator since 2015. His decision not to seek reelection comes as a surprise and sets the stage for a competitive race in Montana.
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