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June 11, 2026
Alani Bankhead emerged victorious in the Democratic Senate primary, backed by a modest $23,884, including a $5,000 loan.
Despite being initially unknown to 70% of voters, a pop-up PAC invested $3.3 million to boost Bankhead’s profile through ads and phone banking.
Facing the general election, Bankhead competes against well-funded opponents Republican Kurt Alme and Independent Seth Bodnar, each with $2 million raised.
The PAC that aided Bankhead, Progressive Vet PAC, has yet to confirm any support for her in the general election.
Progressive Vet remains enigmatic, with its official address in Billings linking back to a small business and its financial backing traced to the American Values Project PAC, funded by Jason Carroll.
As a Super PAC, Progressive Vet can raise unlimited funds but cannot legally coordinate with Bankhead’s campaign.
Bankhead admits, “We have to scale up because it’s a bigger game now,” as her campaign plans to engage voters through retail politicking.
Traditional Democratic support appears absent, with big donors and key PACs instead favoring Bodnar, leaving Bankhead to rely on grassroots efforts.
—Tom Lutey
NO RESERVATIONS?
The Montana Republican Party Platform Convention in Missoula revisits a proposal to eliminate Indian reservations from the state party platform.
This proposal, echoed in Form A, contradicts treaties between tribes and the federal government, which states cannot override.
The GOP’s current platform persistently opposes the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact, despite its resolution of numerous water rights claims across Montana.
Some Republicans, like Al Olszewski, campaigned on promises to undo the compact, fueling continued objections from certain groups.
—Tom Lutey
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