Alani Bankhead, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Montana, confirmed she will not drop out of the 2026 race. Monday marked the final day candidates could withdraw without appearing on the ballot. Members of Bankhead’s party urged her to exit to favor independent candidate Seth Bodnar, who also refuses to step aside. Their participation could enhance Republican Kurt Alme’s chances.
During an East Helena press conference, Bankhead, whose campaign faces financial challenges, expressed determination to win. She emphasized, “We are going to win this in November,” highlighting her commitment to serving Montana. Bankhead criticized candidates Bodnar and Alme for receiving corporate PAC money, cautioning voters against “dark money” influences. Despite this, Bankhead’s primary campaign saw substantial super PAC backing, securing her 47.3% of the vote.
Jeremy Johnson, Carroll College’s political science department head, noted that both Bankhead and Bodnar’s presence in the election could divide the vote, benefiting Alme. Unusually, Montana’s 2026 Senate race lacks an incumbent, making it only the third such occurrence in 40 years. Both Alme, a former U.S. District Attorney, and Bodnar, an ex-University of Montana president, started their campaigns in March. Bankhead launched her bid in January and won the Democratic primary unexpectedly, aided by significant super PAC support.
After the primary, Progressive Vet PAC, which heavily supported Bankhead, left the race, creating a financial gap. The conservative More Jobs, Less Government PAC briefly resumed activity before the withdrawal deadline, promoting Bankhead through text messaging. Bankhead’s super PAC support equaled Bodnar’s and exceeded Alme’s by about $1 million. Bodnar raised $93,000 in PAC funds, while Alme received approximately $577,500.
Prominent Democrats, including state legislators and former candidates, urged support for Bodnar, even co-signing letters asking Bankhead to withdraw. A mistakenly posted message on the Montana Democratic Party’s X account claimed Bankhead suspended her campaign, but spokesperson Sofia Perez confirmed it was an error.
Since 2014, Democratic candidates have won only two of 26 races for statewide or federal office in Montana. Former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester described the Democratic brand as “poison” in the state, following his defeat by Republican Tim Sheehy in 2024 and Gov. Steve Bullock’s loss in 2020. Bankhead dismissed doubts about her electability on Monday, asserting that voters should prioritize their values over perceived electability.
Zeke Lloyd contributed reporting.
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