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April 16, 2026
Montana Democrats face challenges in the U.S. Senate race, struggling to match the fundraising efforts of independent Seth Bodnar and Republican Kurt Alme, both reporting nearly $1 million in funds. Alme is the primary race frontrunner against opponents Charles Walking Child Sr. and Lee Calhoun, who reported no funds.
Financial disclosures revealed Wednesday show the five Democratic candidates have a combined $131,759, with Reilly Neill, from Livingston, holding $104,000. Bodnar, a former University of Montana president, leads all candidates with $1.14 million and needs 13,327 signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
Alme, who filed his candidacy moments before the deadline, reported $908,956. As a former U.S. attorney appointed by President Trump, he received endorsements from U.S. Sen. Steve Daines.
“Democrats still believe in democratic choice — that’s why we have a slate of working-class candidates running to improve the lives of everyday Montanans,” stated Emily Marburger, Montana Democratic Party executive director, in response to the fundraising figures. “Our candidates are proud to meet with Montanans and earn every vote and dollar.”
This marks the lowest fundraising total for Montana Democrats in a U.S. Senate race since 1988. Former Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer predicted increased funding after the primary if the Democratic candidate is competitive.
Flint leads the Western District U.S. House race with $429,399. His GOP rivals, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and former state lawmaker Al Olszewski, follow with $253,387 and $282,121 respectively. Democrat Ryan Busse has $368,145, with Sam Forstag at $212,542.
In the Eastern District, incumbent Republican Rep. Troy Downing holds $445,919, with independent Michael Eisenhauer trailing at $133,710. Democrats Sam Lux, Brian James Miller, and Jonathan Windy Boy have a combined total of $2,675.
In Case You Missed It
Credit Lauren Miller Montana Free Press CatchLight LocalReport for America
Jonathan Windy Boy withdrew from the Democratic primary for Montana’s Eastern Congressional District, following allegations of serious sexual abuse. Windy Boy cited health issues and personal losses as reasons in a Facebook video statement that was later removed.
Letter Rip
A bipartisan group of Montana legislators has urged the state’s U.S. Senate delegation to conduct oversight hearings on military actions in Iran. This follows Republican senators teaming with colleagues to block a resolution aimed at halting U.S. military activities in Iran.
“We call upon you, as Montana’s voice in Congress, to demand full congressional oversight hearings on this war. Without such oversight, neither Congress nor the public can have confidence that the costs of this conflict are being honestly evaluated or that its aims are commensurate with those costs.”
Sen. Theresa Manzella of Hamilton emphasized financial accountability in military spending. She stated, “War is very, very expensive and I want some accountability and some transparency on where the money is going and how it is being used.”
Montana’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Troy Downing, have supported President Trump’s actions, stressing the need for military intervention in Iran.
On Background
Trump’s Iran threats divide Montana officeholders and candidates.
Montana oil politics heat up as war in Iran continues.
Olszewski: “I don’t like the war, but I’m respecting the president’s position.”
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