Sen. Steve Daines Seeks Third Term as Montana Readies for Busy Election Year

Two Republican challengers and four Democratic candidates vie for the Senate seat in the upcoming elections.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Senator Steve Daines is running for his third term in the U.S. Senate in Montana, a state that voted for former President Donald Trump by a 20-point margin in 2024. Daines faces two Republican challengers in the primary, while four Democratic candidates are also campaigning for the seat. Montana's primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the general election following on November 3.

Why it matters

The Montana Senate race is one of 35 Senate seats up for election across the country this fall, making it a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress and the legislative agenda for the next two years.

The details

Senator Steve Daines, a Republican, is seeking his third term in the U.S. Senate. In April 2026, former President Donald Trump endorsed Daines, calling him a "great man" and a "tremendous Senator." Daines faces two challengers in the Republican primary: Trey Gregory, an entrepreneur and self-described political outsider, and Charles Walking Child, who ran for the seat in 2024. On the Democratic side, four candidates are campaigning for the nomination: Reilly Neil, a newspaper publisher near Livingston; Michael Black Wolf, a member of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation; Michael Hummert, a Navy veteran; and Alani Bankhead, an Air Force veteran.

  • Montana's Primary is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
  • The General Election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.

The players

Sen. Steve Daines

The incumbent Republican senator seeking his third term in the U.S. Senate.

Trey Gregory

An entrepreneur and self-described political outsider challenging Daines in the Republican primary.

Charles Walking Child

A Republican candidate who ran for the Senate seat in 2024 and is challenging Daines in the 2026 primary.

Reilly Neil

A newspaper publisher near Livingston running as a Democrat for the Senate seat.

Michael Black Wolf

A member of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation running as a Democrat for the Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“Daines is a great man and a tremendous Senator.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

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 race for Montana's Senate seat is a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate, with significant implications for the legislative agenda in the next two years. The outcome of the primary and general elections will be closely watched by political observers across the country.