Montana Democrats Struggle in Senate Fundraising Against Independents

April 17, 2026

Montana’s U.S. Senate race heats up as Democrats face fundraising challenges against independent Seth Bodnar and Republican Kurt Alme. Both Bodnar and Alme have around $1 million ready to spend, while five Democratic candidates combined show a total of $131,759. Reilly Neill, a former state legislator, leads the Democrats with approximately $104,000.

Kurt Alme is in a primary with candidates Charles Walking Child Sr. and Lee Calhoun, neither of whom have reported any funds. Seth Bodnar continues signature collection to qualify for the November ballot, with no primary to contest. Wednesday was the deadline for campaign finance reports, revealing Bodnar’s $1.14 million lead, which includes $26,050 from six political action committees. These PACs, except ActBlue, are absent from Democratic records.

PACs exert their greatest impact in elections through independent expenditures rather than direct donations. Alme, registered just before the March 4 deadline, reported $908,956, receiving backing from U.S. Senator Steve Daines, who withdrew his candidacy at the last minute.

Montana Democrats, while lagging in fundraising, remain optimistic. Emily Marburger, Montana Democratic Party executive director, expressed confidence, stating, “Democrats still believe in democratic choice, traveling the state, and earning every vote and dollar.”

Historically, this is the first time since 1988 that Montana Democrats in a U.S. Senate race reported less than $150,000 during the first quarter. Former Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer noted that post-primary, funding may increase if the Democratic candidate shows a strong chance of winning.

In Montana’s Western District U.S. House race, Republican Aaron Flint leads with $429,399, supported by PACs linked to Montana politicians. His competitors, Christi Jacobsen and Al Olszewski, reported $253,387 and $282,121, respectively. Democrat Ryan Busse has $368,145, followed by Sam Forstag with $212,542, supported by labor PACs.

In the Eastern District, Republican Rep. Troy Downing leads with $445,919, including $132,000 from PACs. His closest competitor is independent Michael Eisenhauer with $133,710. Democrats Sam Lux, Brian James Miller, and Jonathan Windy Boy report a combined $2,675 cash on hand.