Montana Democrats View Party Brand as 'Poison'

Missoula GOP chair says Democrats are trying to distance themselves from the party label

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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According to a guest opinion column from the chairman of the Missoula County Republican Central Committee, Montana Democrats like Senator Jon Tester have acknowledged that the Democratic party brand is 'poison' in the state. The author argues that Montanans see Democratic policies as harmful, which is why some Democrats like former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar are trying to run as 'Independents in Name Only' to avoid the toxic Democratic label.

Why it matters

This commentary highlights the challenges the Democratic party is facing in Montana, where the party brand is seen as a liability for candidates. It suggests that voters in the state are increasingly rejecting Democratic policies and are more likely to support Republican or independent-leaning candidates.

The details

The article cites comments from Senator Jon Tester, who reportedly referred to the toxic effect of having a (D) next to his name on his failed re-election campaign. The author argues that it is not the letter (D) that is toxic, but rather the policies supported by Democrats. He also notes that former UM President Seth Bodnar is considering running as an 'Independent in Name Only' to avoid the Democratic label. The author is critical of 'non-partisan' elections, arguing that they allow Democrats to hide their party affiliation from voters.

  • The article was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Jon Tester

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Montana who reportedly referred to the toxic effect of having a (D) next to his name on his failed re-election campaign.

Seth Bodnar

The former president of the University of Montana who is reportedly considering running as an 'Independent in Name Only' to avoid the Democratic label.

Michael HagEstad

The chairman of the Missoula County Republican Central Committee and the author of the guest opinion column.

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What they’re saying

“Jon Tester recently referred to the toxic effect of having a (D) next to his name on his failed re-election campaign as 'poison,' implying that he would have won if he was not a Democrat.”

— Jon Tester, U.S. Senator (kmmsam.com)

“Seeing the word Democrat behind your name is already a loss.”

— Former UM Student (UM Student Newspaper)

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific next steps or future newsworthy events.

The takeaway

This commentary suggests that the Democratic party brand has become a liability for candidates in Montana, with voters increasingly rejecting Democratic policies. It highlights the challenges the party faces in the state and the efforts by some Democrats to distance themselves from the party label.