Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines abruptly stopped his reelection campaign on Wednesday, stating he will not seek a third term just minutes before the state filing deadline for candidates. Daines, 63, had previously filed to run again but withdrew soon before the deadline, according to the Montana Secretary of State's office.
The two-term senator confirmed the decision in a statement and a video shared on social media after the filing period ended. "After wrestling with this decision for months, I have decided I will not seek re-election," Daines told the crowd. He characterized his time in Congress as the greatest honor of his professional career, having served in the United States House and Senate for a total of 13 years.
"After wrestling with this decision for months, I have decided I will not seek re-election.
Daines began his career in Congress as a House member in 2013, before being elected to the Senate in 2014. He won reelection in 2020, defeating then-Montana Governor Steve Bullock by ten percentage points. Daines has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. He also led the Senate Republican campaign arm, a role that proved instrumental in the Republicans regaining control of the Senate in 2024.
Announcement and Daines' Congressional Legacy
Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines abruptly stopped his reelection campaign on Wednesday, stating he will not seek a third term just minutes before the state filing deadline for candidates.
Daines, 63, had previously filed to run again but withdrew soon before the deadline, according to the Montana Secretary of State's office.
The two-term senator confirmed the decision in a statement and a video shared on social media after the filing period ended.
"After wrestling with this decision for months, I have decided I will not seek re-election," Daines told the crowd. He characterized his time in Congress as the greatest honor of his professional career, having served in the United States House and Senate for a total of 13 years.
Daines expressed deep gratitude to the people of Montana for the trust they placed in him over more than a decade of service. He emphasized that stepping aside now allows a new generation of leaders to carry forward Montana's values in Washington.
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Why This News Matters
Senator Steve Daines' abrupt departure has shaken things up, turning a once-safe Senate seat into a fiercely sought-after position.
Vacancies often draw in a more diverse group of candidates, which adds an element of surprise to the competition.
His choice to run has already ignited debates about the integrity of the process and the voice of the electorate.
It also matters on a national level because a few seats can make or break control of the Senate.
Kurt Alme Emerges as Trump-Backed Successor
Daines' resignation quickly changed the contest, as Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed paperwork to run for the seat only eight minutes before the deadline. Daines recommended Alme as his substitute shortly after quitting from the race. In a news statement announcing his campaign, Alme emphasized Daines' and President Donald Trump's backing.
Trump hailed Daines on social media, calling him one of the nation's greatest senators and stating that he had decided to "pass the torch" to Alme. Trump also referred to Alme as his "TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney" and expressed his "complete and total endorsement."
Alme stated that he entered the race to speak for Montana and support the president's agenda. "We need proven doers in Washington who will stand up for our values without apology," says Alme. With Trump and Daines' support, Alme swiftly rose to the top of the Republican primary for the seat.
Criticism Over Timing and Candidate Selection
Other candidates, particularly independent contestant Seth Bodnar, criticized Daines' declaration for its time. Bodnar, a war veteran and former University of Montana president, accused Daines of withdrawing at the last minute to install a selected successor rather than giving voters a choice.
"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 told reporters.
On the same day that Daines withdrew, Bodnar started his independent Senate campaign. Democrats also condemned similar last-minute moves in other contests.
In a similar situation last year, Illinois Democrat Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia announced his resignation just after his state's filing deadline, leaving his chief of staff as the sole Democratic candidate in a Chicago primary. Following allegations that Garcia intended to choose his own successor, the House issued a formal rebuke.
Political Landscape in Montana Senate Race
Daines' resignation opened a seat in a state that has shifted more toward Republicans in previous elections. Montana once elected Democrats statewide, but the party has lost ground in recent years. President Trump won the state by about 20 points in the 2024 election, but Democratic Sen. Jon Tester lost his reelection attempt by seven.
Tester's 2018 triumph marked the last time a Democrat won statewide office in Montana. Republicans currently hold a slim lead in the U.S. Senate, boasting 53 seats compared to the Democrats' 45, plus two independents.
A number of Democrats are vying to replace Daines. Among them are former state representative Reilly Neill, Air Force veteran Alani Bankhead, community leader Michael Black Wolf, and military veteran Michael Hummert. Bodnar's decision to run as an independent underscores the Democratic Party's diminished standing in the state's current political landscape.
Charlotte Reynolds
Political Journalist
Charlotte Reynolds is a political journalist with years of experience covering Congress, federal policies, elections, and political strategy. She provides in-depth analysis and commentary on national issues.
