Montana GOP Senator Daines Drops Reelection Bid

Surprise move clears path for Trump-backed U.S. Attorney Alme to run for Senate seat

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana has dropped his bid for reelection to a third term in a surprise withdrawal just minutes before the filing deadline for candidates. Daines, 63, said he wrestled with the decision for months before deciding to retire. Montana U.S. Atty. Kurt Alme, also a Republican, entered the race shortly before the state's deadline, with the endorsement of former President Trump.

Why it matters

Daines' last-minute withdrawal appears to be a carefully orchestrated move to install his handpicked successor, Alme, as the Republican nominee. This type of maneuver has been used by other lawmakers to clear a path for their preferred candidates, raising concerns about the democratic process. The shakeup in Montana's Republican field also includes the retirement of four-term Rep. Ryan Zinke, who endorsed a former staffer.

The details

Daines served one term in the House before a successful 2014 run for the Senate seat formerly held by Democrat Max Baucus. He won by a wide margin after Baucus' would-be Democratic successor, former Lt. Gov. John Walsh, dropped out of the race following reports that he plagiarized parts of his thesis. In 2020, Daines beat Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock by 10 percentage points in a campaign that was the most expensive in Montana political history.

  • Daines announced his withdrawal just minutes before Montana's filing deadline for major-party candidates.
  • On Monday, four-term Rep. Ryan Zinke announced his retirement due to health problems.

The players

Steve Daines

Republican U.S. Senator from Montana who has dropped his bid for reelection to a third term.

Kurt Alme

Montana U.S. Attorney and Republican who entered the Senate race shortly before the state's filing deadline, with the endorsement of former President Trump.

Ryan Zinke

Four-term Republican Congressman from Montana who has announced his retirement due to health problems.

Seth Bodnar

Former University of Montana President who has launched an independent campaign for Daines' Senate seat, underscoring the diminished status of Democrats in Montana.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President who endorsed Kurt Alme as Daines' successor, praising Daines for "passing the torch."

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What they’re saying

“Sadly for our Country, Steve's Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, 'pass the torch' to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.”

— Donald Trump (Twitter)

“We don't simply accept replacements selected by the deep state and D.C. for them to lord power over us.”

— Al Olszewski, Former State Senator (Interview)

“When Seth gets into the Senate, he will fight for new leadership and negotiate a role that gives Montanans the strongest possible voice.”

— Roy Loewenstein, Spokesperson for Seth Bodnar (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.