Montana Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines drops reelection bid minutes before filing deadline
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme entered the Senate race shortly before the filing deadline, receiving immediate endorsement from President Trump, who praised outgoing Senator Steve Daines and indicated Daines' role in orchestrating Alme as his successor.
- The Republican field also saw significant changes with Rep. Ryan Zinke retiring due to health issues and endorsing former staffer Aaron Flint, who similarly received Trump's backing, prompting criticism from other Republicans like Al Olszewski for bypassing voter choice.
- Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar launched an independent campaign for Daines' seat, highlighting the weakened position of Democrats in Montana, as no prominent Democrats entered the race and the party currently holds no statewide offices.
- Bodnar criticized
