Alani Bankhead, U.S. Senate candidate, criticized former University of Montana president and independent candidate Seth Bodnar on Monday. Speaking at a University of Montana event, Bankhead highlighted Bodnar’s alleged failure to address gender discrimination claims from a 2024 lawsuit.
Bankhead, who secured the Democratic nomination on June 2, gained attention for her unexpected primary win. She gathered a modest crowd, including media, on campus where supporters held signs referencing the lawsuit’s allegations.
“Under President Bodnar’s leadership and in violation of UM’s policies and federal law, women’s choices and actions were unreasonably contradicted and questioned,” read one sign. Bankhead invoked Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress, saying, “Jeannette wouldn’t stand for anyone who discriminates to be in a leadership position.”
The gender discrimination lawsuit, filed in 2021, ended with a $350,000 settlement. Bodnar, UM’s leader for eight years, resigned this year to enter the Senate race. His team stated he prioritized equity and elevated women during his tenure.
Bankhead, a 21-year military veteran and Air War College graduate, reiterated lawsuit claims that Bodnar made inappropriate comments about a UM employee’s weight and forced another plaintiff to work with a stalker. UM previously labeled these allegations as “inflammatory” and unsubstantiated.
Bodnar’s campaign highlighted his efforts to promote women, noting that the number of female academic deans increased significantly under his leadership. Bankhead’s campaign, supported by over $2.5 million from the Progressive Vet Political Action Committee, surprised many with her primary win.
Despite heavy fundraising by Bodnar, Sabato’s Crystal Ball predicts the Senate seat may favor Republican Kurt Alme. Bankhead emphasized leadership accountability, citing Bodnar’s military background as a reason he should understand the importance of admitting mistakes.
Facing questions about her limited campaign funding, Bankhead reminded critics of her primary success and rejected the notion of stepping down for Bodnar, advocating for a Democratic presence on the ballot. She declared, “Seth Bodnar is absolutely the last person on the face of this earth I would ever drop out of this race for.”
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