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Senator Daines Exits Race, Endorses Trump-Backed Alme

3/5/2026

32 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Senator Steve Daines withdrew from Montana's re-election campaign.
He endorsed U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme as his successor.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme declared his candidacy, emphasizing his commitment to Montana.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Kurt Alme.
Reilly Neill criticized the Montana GOP's instability, saying Daines' exit reflects their failure to support working-class citizens.

History

Historical Context

In the 2016 elections, U.S. Senator Jon Tester secured re-election in Montana with 50.3% of the vote against Republican Ryan Zinke, reflecting the state's historically divided political landscape. Since statehood in 1889, Montana has alternated between Democratic and Republican leadership, with recent shifts indicating challenges for the GOP in addressing voter concerns, particularly among working-class citizens.

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Story summary

U.S. Senator Steve Daines withdrew from Montana's re-election campaign.
He endorsed U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme as his successor.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme declared his candidacy, emphasizing his commitment to Montana.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Kurt Alme.
Reilly Neill criticized the Montana GOP's instability, saying Daines' exit reflects their failure to support working-class citizens.

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