Full Breakdown
Pete Buttigieg Endorses Independent Senate Candidate Seth Bodnar in Montana
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Endorsement
In early August 2026, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced his endorsement of independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar for the Montana seat that will be open after Republican Sen. Steve Daines’ retirement. Buttigieg’s statement praised Bodnar’s bipartisan character and military service, positioning the endorsement as a notable move by a senior Democrat to back an independent rather than the party’s nominee.
Race Background and Candidate Landscape
The 2026 Montana Senate race features three primary contenders: independent Seth Bodnar, a former Green Beret, GE Transportation executive, and University of Montana president (2018-2026); Republican Kurt Alme, a former U.S. Attorney who argues he has the experience to “get it done”; and Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead, an Air Force veteran who won the June primary. Bankhead has alleged that members of the Democratic Party pressured her to withdraw, a claim the party denied, according to ABC affiliate KWYB. The endorsement reflects a broader strategy in red-state races—Democrats are increasingly supporting independents in Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho.
Fundraising and Political Support
According to the Washington Examiner, Bodnar has raised more than $1.8 million above the amount reported by Republican Alme. Former Democratic Sen. Jon Tester’s political team has assisted Bodnar’s campaign, and Bodnar has pledged not to caucus with either party if elected. Despite the fundraising edge, the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball both classify the seat as “safe for the GOP,” indicating that party-level projections still favor Alme.
Official Statements & Responses
Buttigieg’s endorsement highlighted Bodnar’s service record and bipartisan approach, while Bodnar thanked him and emphasized a “person-over-party” philosophy. Republican Alme, speaking at a rally, pledged to make lives “more affordable” and protect the “Montana way of life.” Bankhead’s allegation of intra-party pressure adds a layer of intra-Democratic tension to the contest.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The best leaders I've served with, in uniform and in government, care more about getting the job done than about who gets the credit, and Seth is one of them. Seth and I don't agree on everything, but he has spent his adult life serving this country and the next generation ... and he'll bring that same character to the Senate on behalf of all Montanans,” — Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary
- “Montana deserves a senator who will fight corruption in Washington, defend reproductive freedom, and work across the aisle to lower costs and actually get things done. Seth Bodnar will be that Senator,” — Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary
- “I'm ready to step up again to make our lives more affordable, make our communities safer, and protect our Montana way of life,” — Republican Kurt Alme
- “Montanans have always voted for the person, not the party, and they want a senator who will put their families, jobs, and public lands ahead of partisan games in Washington,” — Seth Bodnar, veteran