Senator Steve Daines Withdraws From 2026 Senate Race In Montana

As if there hadn't already been enough wild twists and turns in the Montana political scene this week, Wednesday afternoon brought another shocker, as incumbent Senator Steve Daines withdrew from the 2026 race.

The news came late this afternoon, as the Montana Secretary of State's Office showed Daines withdrawing from the Senate race just a few minutes before the 5 pm deadline. And just minutes after, long-time federal attorney Kurt Alme filed for the contest.

In a short video posted online an hour after the development, Daines merely said he had decided "not to seek reelection", but didn't elaborate on any specific reasons. He didn mention how serving had impacted his wife and family.

For the past 13 years, Cindy has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to DC. And together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with 7 grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana, and continuing to make a difference. -Senator Steve Daines

Daines had been among the first candidates filing for election on the opening day last month, and by every indication, he was gearing up for what promised to be a heated contest this fall. But without any GOP opposition, it appeared he would sail through the June Primary and up to three challengers this fall. That all changed with the new filings on Wednesday.

Daines has held the seat since he was first elected in 2015, and made history at the time, breaking the Democrats' deadlock on the Montana seat. Since then, he's been a strong advocate for conservative views on business, public lands, and natural resource development and federal spending.

After gaining attention through seniority and support for President Donald Trump during his first term, Daines played a key role in the Republicans' Senate campaigns last year, including the recruiting of Tim Sheehy, and the upset against Montana seatmate John Tester.

Alme's comeback

Alme had spent years as a federal prosecutor and made somewhat of a step back into the public eye last fall, when he was appointed as the U.S. Attorney for Montana by President Trump last year. He had filled the same role during the President's first term.

Capping a wild day

Daines' withdrawal comes after an unsettled week. Early Wednesday morning, University of Montana President Seth Bodnar confirmed his decision to run as an Independent. With polls showing Bodnar having a lot of ground to make up, it's not expected that it had any bearing on Daines' decision.

READ MORE: Bodnar confirms candidacy

11 candidates in all will vie for the seat.

Alme, Lee Calhoun of Whitefish, and Charles Walking Child of Helena will face off for the GOP nomination in June. Michael Hummert, Alani Bankhead, Michael Black Wolf, Reilly Neil, and Christopher Kehoe will seek the Democratic nomination.

Kyle Austin of Billings and Tom Jandron of Clancy will compete as Libertarians, in addition to Bodnar's run as an Independent.