Montana GOP officials react to Steve Daines' Senate retirement

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines' surprise retirement announcement on Wednesday in the waning moments before Montana's candidate registration deadline blew that race wide open and drew widespread praise from fellow Republicans.

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

Freshman U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, who beat out Montana's last statewide Democrat in 2024, thanked Daines for spearheading what he called a "conservative revolution" in Montana.

"Steve is doing something we don't often see in modern politics: stepping down at the height of his power to clear the way for a new generation of leaders," Sheehy said on social media Wednesday evening. "I'm honored to call Steve a friend and am grateful for his years of service to our state."

Congressman Ryan Zinke, another stalwart Republican in Montana politics who made an unexpected exit from his own planned reelection bid this week, congratulated Daines on the retirement.

"You have been a leader from our time at Boys State together to your countless achievements in both the US House and Senate," Zinke said on social media. "You have been a great friend, true Patriot, and a staunch defender of freedom. Lola and I wish you and Cindy all the best in your well earned next chapter."

Republican Rep. Troy Downing, also in his first term in Congress, said on Thursday that Daines had led with "integrity" and brought the GOP back into power in the upper chamber.

"Not just a legislative titan and fierce advocate for the people of the Treasure State, Steve delivered a Senate majority that time and again has advanced Republicans' America First agenda," Downing said in a statement. "The indelible mark he leaves on our state and our nation cannot be overstated. I wish him and Cindy nothing but the very best in their next chapter."

Gov. Greg Gianforte also congratulated Daines on a long, successful run in the Senate. Daines was first elected to the Senate in 2014 after one term in the House of Representative.

"Montana is stronger today because of Steve's work to cut taxes, champion our agricultural industry internationally and strengthen our national defense," he said in a statement. "He made a big impact and his leadership and service to our state will be missed."

Daines and President Donald Trump on Wednesday both endorsed U.S. Attorney for Montana Kurt Alme, a Trump appointee, to succeed Daines. Alme filed as a Republican in the race just before the filing deadline.

This story will be updated.