Michael Black Wolf, a candidate in the Democratic forums for Montana’s U.S. Senate race, draws laughs with his relatable charm. A Gros Ventre tribal member, Black Wolf jokes about his truck’s check engine light, symbolizing Democratic struggles as they enter a rare Senate election without an incumbent. Among five Democrats vying for the seat, fundraising is sparse, with Reilly Neill leading at $103,000 of the $123,629.43 total. Sparse donations suggest low enthusiasm among Democratic funders.
Independent candidate Seth Bodnar stands out, bolstered by former Tester campaign staff, with a tenfold advantage over Democrats in cash on hand and 329 Montana contributors. Bodnar also surpasses Republican frontrunner Kurt Alme by $400,000 in fundraising, following Steve Daines’ sudden withdrawal from the race. Both Bodnar and Alme quickly reached the million-dollar mark. Observers believe Bodnar poses a significant challenge, with Democrats potentially siphoning votes from him in the general election.
Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, suggests Bodnar is the only viable non-Republican candidate. He argues that Democrats’ inability to align with Bodnar could lead to a Republican victory. Three political committees previously backing Montana Democrats now support Bodnar exclusively.
Alani Bankhead, a 21-year Air Force veteran turned candidate, emphasizes government reform and health care. Michael Black Wolf focuses on treaty rights and environmental concerns, advocating for “core values and fundamental human rights.” Michael Hummert, a detailed policy advocate, questions Bodnar’s ties to Tester, proposing balanced budgets and corporate spending bans. Christopher Kehoe, spurred by protester killings, promotes tax reform for universal health care. Reilly Neill, the fundraising leader, highlights the urgency of health care and infrastructure needs.
ALANI BANKHEAD
Alani Bankhead, an Air Force veteran, has tackled issues from terrorism to child protection. She aims to investigate Trump’s ties with Jeffrey Epstein and supports incremental government reform, focusing on Medicaid to Medicare transitions toward universal health care. Bankhead cites Pentagon waste as a funding source for health care improvements.
MICHAEL BLACK WOLF
Black Wolf opposes Trump’s overreach, citing 258 executive orders in 16 months. He champions core values like clean water and Medicare for all, leveraging treaty knowledge to highlight federal obligations in Montana. Black Wolf stresses the environmental costs of prioritizing business interests over community welfare.
MICHAEL HUMMERT
Hummert focuses on fiscal conservatism, proposing balanced budgets, fair immigration policies, and banning corporate campaign spending. He questions Bodnar’s intentions, fearing that Democrats could suffer nationally if Bodnar splits the vote.
CHRISTOPHER KEHOE
Christopher Kehoe, horrified by ICE actions, advocates for using tax reforms to achieve universal health care and renewables. He challenges the current tax system and promotes restoring higher tax brackets for economic growth.
REILLY NEILL
Neill leads Democrat fundraising and stresses the importance of health care and infrastructure. She points out the impact of high healthcare costs on living expenses. Neill believes Congress should raise the minimum wage, balancing affordability with small business challenges.
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