Story perspectives

Independent Seth Bodnar Challenges Montana Senate, Splits Moderates

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Union members in a Montana hall heard independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar criticize both parties.
Bodnar, an Iraq war veteran, is running as an independent for Montana’s open Senate seat against Kurt Alme.
Voters attribute their frustration to high prices, war in Iran, and Senator Steve Daines’s sudden withdrawal to clear the field for Alme.
Democratic officials warn Bodnar could split moderate voters and label him a Beltway-backed, out-of-state-funded interloper.

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Story summary

Union members in a Montana hall heard independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar criticize both parties.
Bodnar, an Iraq war veteran, is running as an independent for Montana’s open Senate seat against Kurt Alme.
Voters attribute their frustration to high prices, war in Iran, and Senator Steve Daines’s sudden withdrawal to clear the field for Alme.
Democratic officials warn Bodnar could split moderate voters and label him a Beltway-backed, out-of-state-funded interloper.