Independents out-fundraising Democrats in Montana congressional races

HELENA, Mont. - Independent candidates have so far out-fundraised Democrats in races to represent Montana in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, as of the April Federal Election Commission (FEC) quarterly reports.

Most campaigns are required to file reports every quarter, as well as pre- and post-election.

Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar, running as an independent to represent Montana in the Senate, raised more than $1.3 million. Republican Candidate Kurt Alme raised around $925,000.

Republican Troy Downing, running for re-election in Montana's 2nd District, leads the overall field with over $1.6 million raised up to March 31. Dr. Michael  Eisenhower, an independent, has raised just over $208,00 while Democrats Brian Miller and Sam Lux raised around $15,000 and $8,000, respectively.

In Montana's 1st House District, Democratic candidate Ryan Busse raised the most (as of March 31) at just over $530,000, with Republican Aaron Flint trailing just behind at around $453,600. Current Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, a Republican, has raised around $260,000. Democrat Russell Cleveland raised nearly $326,000.

The primary election for federal candidates in Montana will take place on Tuesday, June 2, ahead of the election on November 3rd.