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Hot Springs Today
By the People, for the People
Seth Bodnar Announces Independent Bid Against Senator Steve Daines
Outgoing University of Montana president challenges incumbent in evolving political landscape
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Seth Bodnar, the outgoing president of the University of Montana, has announced an independent bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator Steve Daines. Bodnar released a YouTube campaign launch video touching on his military service, concerns about the country being "in crisis", and his experience as an educator. Bodnar's entry into the race adds to an already crowded field, with four Democrats and a Libertarian also challenging Daines' re-election.
Why it matters
Bodnar's independent candidacy shakes up the Senate race, which was already drawing significant attention with multiple challengers to the incumbent Daines. As an independent, Bodnar could appeal to voters dissatisfied with the two-party system, potentially drawing support from both sides of the aisle. The race is expected to be highly competitive and expensive, with control of the Senate potentially at stake.
The details
In his campaign launch video, Bodnar emphasized his military service and experience as an educator, saying the country is "in crisis" and that "our national political parties are failing us." Bodnar has not yet officially filed his paperwork, but his video announcement confirms his intent to run. He joins a crowded field, with four Democrats and a Libertarian also challenging Daines' re-election bid.
- Bodnar released his campaign launch video on YouTube on March 4, 2026.
- The last day to file paperwork for the election is March 4, 2026.
The players
Seth Bodnar
The outgoing president of the University of Montana, who is launching an independent bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator Steve Daines.
Steve Daines
The incumbent U.S. Senator from Montana, who is seeking re-election and facing multiple challengers.
Michael Black Wolfe
A community leader from the Fort Belknap community, who is joining the race to challenge Senator Daines.
Reilly Neill
A former State Representative from Livingston, who has filed as a Democrat to challenge Senator Daines.
What they’re saying
“Our national political parties are failing us.”
— Seth Bodnar (YouTube)
“It has truly been a great joy getting the chance to talk to Montanans every single day on the radio. Taking your phone calls. Getting your messages. Finding out where we agree, and being okay if we disagree. Everyday has been like a townhall meeting here with our show and Townsquare Media. As someone whose family homesteaded on both sides of this state, I feel an incredible duty to fight for this state and for the future of America- especially on her 250th birthday. Now, it's time to take what you've been telling me, and put it into action with a Montana First/ America First agenda.”
— Aaron Flint, Republican Candidate for Congress (MT-01) (kmhk.com)
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
Bodnar's independent candidacy shakes up the Senate race, adding a new dynamic to an already crowded field of challengers to the incumbent Daines. The race is expected to be highly competitive and expensive, with control of the Senate potentially at stake.
