GOP Sen. Steve Daines Drops Reelection Bid At Last Possible Minute
Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines ended his November re-election bid Wednesday — the last possible day for filing in the state.
Daines, first elected to the Upper House in 2014, was seeking a third term until 5 p.m. PT when Montana’s filing deadline passed and his campaign status on the secretary of state’s website suddenly changed to “withdrawn,” NBC Montana reported. Before Daines’ stunning decision to step down, Montana’s 2026 Senate election was considered uncompetitive and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report called it “Safe Republican.”
Before his withdrawal, Daines enjoyed the support of President Donald Trump.
“After careful consideration, I have decided not to run for office,” Daines, 63, said in a video posted to X on Wednesday evening, adding that he was “excited,” “encouraged” and “ready for whatever comes next.”
“I am also very grateful to have served alongside President Trump and my Senate colleagues. Together we built a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, we led Republican control of the United States Senate, we delivered the largest tax cut in American history, we unleashed American energy dominance, and secured our southern border,” Daines continued in the video.
An announcement👇 pic.twitter.com/7HCofBTUMA
-Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) March 5, 2026
The lawmaker notably chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the campaign arm of Senate Republicans, during the 2024 election cycle in which the GOP picked up four seats — including in Daines’ home state of Montana — and regained control of the upper chamber. (RELATED: Navy SEAL-turned-senator struggles with left-wing protester who stormed hearing)
“Together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a little more time in Montana, and continuing to make a difference,” Daines’ video statement concluded.
As the two-term incumbent dropped out, U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Kurt Alme — who served under both Trump administrations — entered the race as a Republican. Other Republican candidates who have filed to run include businessman Trey Gregory and perennial candidate Charles WalkingChild.
Another candidate who entered the race Wednesday was independent Seth Bodnar, a former Army Green Beret who has served as president of the University of Montana since 2018. Bodnar already received support from former Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, Daines’ former colleague for a decade, who lost his own bid for a fourth term to Republican Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy by seven points in 2o24.
The race also includes former Montana Democratic state Rep. Reilly Neill, who currently maintains a large lead over his party’s field in fundraising.
This is breaking news and will be updated.
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