Sen. Steve Daines of Montana withdraws from reelection

UPDATE: March 4 at 11:20 p.m.

Governor Greg Gianforte today released the following statement on Senator Steve Daines:

 “I’ve known Steve Daines for nearly 30 years. From growing a successful business together to serving Montanans together, I’m proud to call Steve a true friend and partner. Montana is stronger today because of Steve’s work to cut taxes, champion our agricultural industry internationally, and strengthen our national defense. He made a big impact and his leadership and service to our state will be missed.”

UPDATE: March 4 at 8:45 p.m.

Democratic candidate Reilly Neill is attending a public meeting to discuss data centers in Helena tonight, March 4.

She issues the following statement on the resignation of Steve Daines from the 2026 campaign:

“Daines dropping out of this race is another example of the Montana GOP being in complete disarray.

The Montana GOP has done nothing but bend the knee to an administration that has hurt our farmers and ranchers and this is unacceptable. Daines, throughout his tenure, has completely ignored and voted against the working class and protected the billionaire class. 

His stepping down opens this field for the United States Senate and this is a good development for Montana. 

I’m running to work for universal healthcare, our farmers and ranchers, our main streets and public schools. I will continue to rail against data centers and protect our water and public lands. I will never take AIPAC money or corporate PAC money. 

This is a new era for Montana and I’m up for the challenge.”

Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Steve Daines withdrew from the race for reelection on Wednesday just before the filing deadline for Montana's federal primaries.

The Montana Secretary of State’s website reflected the move just before the deadline at 5 p.m., and several attempts to reach his office were unsuccessful. Multiple sources close to Daines confirmed to NonStop Local that Daines withdrew from re-election.

Shortly after 6 p.m. Daines shared a retirement announcement on Twitter.

"I'm grateful to God for allowing me to serve," Daines said. "After much careful thought, I've decided not to seek reelection."

Daines said he was thankful to serve with President Donald Trump and touted many of the Trump administration policy aims that were passed in the past year. Trump in turn praised Daines on Truth Social.

"He did a job like few others are capable of doing but, sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate," Trump wrote.

Just minutes before the filing deadline, U.S. Attorney for the district of Montana Kurt Alme filed to run for the seat as a Republican. Daines posted about meeting Alme in Billings in August of 2025.

In his post praising Daines, Trump also touted Alme as his "TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney" and threw his weight behind Alme in his bid for the senate seat.

"Kurt Alme is an exceptional person, and will do a fantastic job as your next United States Senator from the Great State of Montana," Trump wrote.

All the action on the Republican side came hours after former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar announced he would run for the seat as an Independent.

Bodnar criticized the timing of Daines' announcement.

"Steve Daines has so little respect for Montana Republicans that he withdrew at the last minute to coronate his handpicked successor instead of giving them a voice at the ballot box," Bodnar said in a written statement.

Sen. Daines was first elected in 2014, and he was reelected in 2020. He initially filed to run for a third term in February.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE: March 4 at 5:35 p.m.