Kurt Alme’s Senate Bid Tied to Ranch’s Sexual Abuse Allegations

Kurt Alme’s Senate Candidacy Overshadowed by Past Association with Controversial Organization

Kurt Alme, who recently announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Montana, is facing scrutiny due to his previous role with an organization embroiled in a serious legal controversy involving allegations of neglect and abuse.

Alme, a Republican, served as the general counsel and later as president of the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Foundation, which supports the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch in Billings. His tenure at the foundation spanned from 2010 to 2017.

The ranch, known for providing therapeutic and residential treatment to at-risk youth, describes its approach as faith-oriented, highlighting a treatment philosophy rooted in trust in a “loving creator,” according to its website.

Controversy arose in 2018 when a mother filed a lawsuit against the ranch, alleging her son, then 10, was sexually assaulted by peers during his stay in 2013-2014. The victim recounted instances of exposure and physical assault by other boys, as well as an incident of masturbation in his presence.

The lawsuit claimed the staff dismissed the child’s reports of abuse, sending him back to bed without taking action. A jury ultimately ruled in favor of the victim, awarding his family $300,000 in damages, although the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch denied any malpractice.

Following his time at the foundation, Alme served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana during two separate terms, from 2017 to 2020 and then from 2025 to 2026.

Alme declared his Senate bid shortly after Republican Sen. Steve Daines announced his retirement, coinciding with the last opportunity for new candidates to enter the race. This timing has fueled speculation about a potential coordinated effort between Daines and Alme to limit competition.

Endorsements for Alme’s campaign have come from both Sen. Daines and former President Donald Trump.