Bodner Files as Independent for U.S. Senate

Former University of Montana president challenges incumbent Republican Senator Steve Daines

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Seth Bodnar, a Green Beret, business leader, and former president of the University of Montana, has filed as an Independent candidate to challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Steve Daines in the 2026 General Election.

Why it matters

Bodnar's independent bid could shake up the Senate race in Montana, a traditionally Republican-leaning state. As a political outsider with a background in the military and higher education, Bodnar may be able to appeal to a broad range of voters frustrated with partisan gridlock.

The details

During his eight-year tenure as president of the University of Montana, Bodnar oversaw significant improvements, including record high graduation rates, doubled research funding, the largest infrastructure renewal in campus history, restored financial stability, and the university being named the #1 military-friendly university in the country.

  • Bodnar filed as an independent candidate on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Seth Bodnar

A Green Beret, business leader, and former president of the University of Montana who is running as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Steve Daines

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Montana whom Bodnar is challenging.

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The takeaway

Bodnar's independent bid could shake up the Senate race in Montana, a traditionally Republican-leaning state, by appealing to voters frustrated with partisan gridlock through his background as a political outsider with experience in the military and higher education.