Montana’s Democratic Party is exploring legal options should U.S. Senate nominee Alani Bankhead withdraw from the race. Bankhead remains firm in her decision not to withdraw, despite mounting pressure. The executive board was briefed that they are not obligated to replace her if she exits before the Aug. 10 deadline.
This information came after Republican Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen suggested a replacement might be required. The advice, from Washington D.C.-based Elias Law Group, was solicited by party Chair Shannon O’Brien. Party spokesperson Sofia Perez noted that the board had not voted to seek this opinion, describing it as a decisive move by O’Brien.
Some party members are urging Bankhead to exit the race in favor of independent contender Seth Bodnar. Bankhead’s campaign has collected just $21,000, starkly less than Bodnar and Republican Kurt Alme’s roughly $2 million each. Financial records indicate Bankhead has only 42 donors contributing over $50.
O’Brien shared a “private and confidential” document with county leaders, which later fueled social media posts alleging her attempt to push Bankhead out. This led to an unofficial meeting where some board members, unhappy with the document’s release, suggested reviewing O’Brien’s leadership.
Elias Law Group, known for its election law expertise, advised that the party’s First Amendment rights protect it from state obligations to nominate a replacement. Independent candidates like Bodnar are becoming more common in red states. Montana Democrats have had limited success, winning just two of 26 statewide or federal races since 2014.
Bodnar and Bankhead have met twice since July to discuss potential withdrawals, though no decisions have been made. Despite being underfunded, Republicans regard Bankhead as a strong competitor against their candidates, according to various conservative analyses.
Speculation arose about Democrats polling on former Gov. Steve Bullock as a potential replacement. Rumors of this nature have been dismissed by party representatives as unfounded.
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