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Montana Senate: Bankhead Stays, Independent Bodnar Leads Fundraising

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alani Bankhead (D-Mont.) said on Aug. 10 she will stay on ballot after the 5 p.m. withdrawal deadline.
Independent Seth Bodnar confirmed his candidacy, noting he has raised over $3 million versus Bankhead’s roughly $58,000.
Former Democratic senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus backed Bodnar and urged Bankhead to quit.
Montana’s ballot will list Kurt Alme, Bankhead, Bodnar, Libertarian Kyle Austin and write-in Jami Woodman, the only state where the withdrawal plan failed.

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Story summary

Alani Bankhead (D-Mont.) said on Aug. 10 she will stay on ballot after the 5 p.m. withdrawal deadline.
Independent Seth Bodnar confirmed his candidacy, noting he has raised over $3 million versus Bankhead’s roughly $58,000.
Former Democratic senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus backed Bodnar and urged Bankhead to quit.
Montana’s ballot will list Kurt Alme, Bankhead, Bodnar, Libertarian Kyle Austin and write-in Jami Woodman, the only state where the withdrawal plan failed.