As filings close, Republican Steve Daines withdraws from U.S. Senate race
Montana Free Press • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Sen. Steve Daines withdrew from the 2026 Montana Senate race just two minutes before the filing deadline, following U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke’s earlier announcement not to seek reelection, removing two incumbents from Montana’s federal delegation.
- Daines had filed for reelection four weeks prior and had $4.9 million in campaign funds but cited a long struggle with the decision, highlighting his legislative achievements during his tenure.
- Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, Daines’s chosen successor, filed his candidacy minutes before the deadline and received endorsements from Daines, President Trump, and other prominent Republicans.
- The late withdrawals are seen by some, including former Senator Jon Tester, as
