Former Montana university leader launches independent campaign against GOP Sen. Daines

Seth Bodnar, ex-president of University of Montana, is challenging Republican incumbent Steve Daines in November election

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar has launched an independent campaign to challenge Republican Sen. Steve Daines in November's election. Bodnar, a 47-year-old Pennsylvania native, said America's political system is broken and elected officials in Washington are only looking out for the wealthy and connected. Daines, who is seeking a third term, is a former business executive and close ally of former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

Bodnar's decision to run without party backing underscores the diminished status of Montana Democrats, who control no statewide offices following the 2024 defeat of three-term incumbent Sen. Jon Tester. The race could be one of the most expensive congressional contests in Montana history, potentially topping the $300 million spent in the 2024 Senate race between Tester and Republican Tim Sheehy.

The details

Bodnar spent eight years as president of the University of Montana and stepped down last month. If he collects the 13,327 petition signatures needed to qualify, his name would appear on the general election ballot, not during the primary. Daines, who is 63 and was born in California but grew up in Bozeman, Montana, has raised more than $8 million since his last election in 2020 and had almost $5 million in campaign cash on hand as of Dec. 31.

  • Bodnar launched his independent campaign on March 4, 2026.
  • Daines is seeking a third term in the November 2026 election.

The players

Seth Bodnar

A 47-year-old Pennsylvania native who served as president of the University of Montana for eight years before stepping down last month to launch an independent campaign against Republican Sen. Steve Daines.

Steve Daines

A 63-year-old Republican senator from Montana who is seeking a third term. He is a former business executive and close ally of former President Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“The American dream is getting crushed, and both parties are to blame. They pit us against each other while they line their own pockets. We need a new approach, an independent senator who will fight for hardworking Montanans.”

— Seth Bodnar (Video message)

What’s next

Bodnar must collect 13,327 petition signatures by the filing deadline in order to appear on the November 2026 general election ballot as an independent candidate.

The takeaway

Bodnar's independent campaign against the Republican incumbent Daines highlights the diminished status of Montana Democrats, who have lost control of all statewide offices in recent years. The race could become one of the most expensive congressional contests in Montana history as the two candidates battle for the Senate seat.