Daines withdraws from Senate race, sparking last-minute shift in key Montana election

Montana U.S. Sen. Steve Daines withdrew from his reelection effort in the final moments of candidate filing on Wednesday, opening up a contest that had widely been considered the senior senator's to lose.

His unexpected exit sent shockwaves through a week already rife with political surprises.

In a statement from his campaign, Daines announced his retirement and backed U.S. Attorney for Montana Kurt Alme, a Trump appointee.

"After wrestling with this decision for months, I have decided I will not seek reelection," Daines said. "It is time for new leaders like Tim Sheehy to spearhead the fight for Montana in the United States Senate."

"I am thankful to have served alongside President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate," he continued. "… I am especially indebted to my exceptional staff, who have worked tirelessly each day to serve Montanans. Thank you for creating countless 'raving fans' through your effort."

Alme filed to run as a Republican in the Senate race before the filing deadline at 5 p.m. Daines was supportive of Alme's 2025 nomination from President Donald Trump to serve as the top federal prosecutor in Montana, his second stint after serving in the same capacity during Trump's first term.

Alme previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney from 2003 to 2010 as well as state budget director under Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte. He also served as director of the Montana Department of Revenue under former Republican Gov. Judy Martz.

Alme did not return calls seeking comment late Wednesday.

Several Montana Republicans told the Montana State News Bureau by text Wednesday evening that the withdrawal took them by surprise.

Daines was the first candidate to register with the Montana Secretary of State's Office on Feb. 17. He was seeking a third term, having grown close with the Trump White House in recent years and playing an instrumental role in topping former Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in 2024 with Republican newcomer Tim Sheehy.

He was a strong favorite to win, according to Cook Political Report. Within an hour of Daines dropping from the race, Sabato's Crystal Ball, another political analysis firm, moved the race from "Safe Republican" to "Likely Republican."

Earlier on Wednesday, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar officially kicked off his campaign to run against Daines as an independent candidate.

In a statement to the Montana State News Bureau, Bodnar criticized Daines for the last minute withdrawal and took aim at Alme.

"This is the disgusting arrogance of Washington politicians and their party bosses who trade power back and forth like candy while Montanans are crushed under higher costs and fewer opportunities," he said. "I'm running to be an independent voice for every single Montanan who is sick of this broken political system and who wants a leader who stands up for our state against the corruption of political elites like Steve Daines and Kurt Alme."

Messages of support flooded in from Montana officials in the hours immediately following Daines' withdrawal.

Montana GOP officials react to Steve Daines' Senate retirement

Trump on Truth Social lauded Daines and endorsed Alme.

"In fact, if Kurt didn’t have the highest level of aptitude and talent, Steve would have remained exactly where he is but, Kurt is exceptional, and I will be giving him, based on Steve’s strongest recommendation, my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump wrote.

Campaign finance reports showed as of Wednesday Daines had raised $4.5 million for his reelection effort this cycle.

Wednesday's announcement marks the second surprise retirement of a notable Montanan from federal office in the final week of the state's campaign filing window.

Rep. Ryan Zinke said on Monday that he would not seek reelection, citing health concerns. Three prominent Republicans quickly jumped into the race in his stead: Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, Flathead County Central Committee chair Al Olszewski and conservative talk radio host Aaron Flint.

Zinke lent his endorsement to Flint immediately following his withdrawal.

This story will be updated.