This story was updated with additional context at 10:46 p.m.
Nearing the filing deadline, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines withdrew from the 2026 U.S. Senate race Wednesday, following U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke’s announcement that he wouldn’t run for a third term in Montana’s House District. This leaves two vacancies in a delegation that turned fully Republican in 2025.
Daines, who filed for reelection just four weeks prior with $4.9 million campaign funds, announced his withdrawal through a press release stating his long consideration over a third term.
“I’m thankful to have served alongside President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate,” Daines said in an announcement. “Together, we built a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, spearheaded Republican control of the Senate, delivered the largest tax cut in history, unleashed American energy dominance, secured our southern border, enacted the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act—the most significant conservation achievement in half a century—and forged stronger ties with critical allies across the globe.”
Daines shared the full video of his statement on X.
Gabby Wiggins, his communications director, confirmed Daines would serve the remaining 10 months of his term. A red, crossed-out entry with “withdrawn” on the Secretary of State’s candidate list featuring Daines’ name was widely shared on social media Wednesday.
Daines’ late withdrawal seemed tailored to prevent others, except his favored successor, U.S. Attorney for Montana Kurt Alme, from entering the race. Alme filed his candidacy just before the deadline and announced his run for Senate shortly after.
“As a native Montanan, I have always been committed to serving our communities, upholding the rule of law, and fighting for the safety and prosperity of every family in our state,” Alme said.
Alme’s candidacy is backed by endorsements from Daines, President Trump, Sen. Tim Sheehy, and Gov. Greg Gianforte. Meanwhile, other Republican candidates Lee Calhoun and Charles Walking Child have also registered for the June primary ballot.
Former Democratic Senator Jon Tester suggested the timing aims to deter certain candidates, potentially opening opportunities for Democrats. “It wasn’t an accident,” Tester stated.
Among Democrats, four candidates are set for the primary ballot: Air Force veteran Alani Bankhead, Fort Belknap Indian Community leader Michael Black Wolf, Navy veteran Micheal Hummert, and former legislator Reilly Neill.
Former University of Montana president Seth Bodnar joined the Senate race as an independent, needing 13,000 signatures by May 26 for the general election ballot. Bodnar criticized Daines’ last-minute withdrawal in a press statement.
“Steve Daines has so little respect for Montana Republicans that he withdrew at the last minute to coronate his handpicked successor instead of giving them a voice at the ballot box,” he said in a press release.
According to Jeremy Johnson, director of political science at Carroll College, the timing shows GOP confidence in this strategy. “We’ll see in November; it may be a Democratic year,” Johnson commented.
Daines, finishing his second term, significantly aided the Republicans’ Senate control in 2014. No Montana U.S. Senator has served more than 18 years since 1988.
“I’ve known Steve Daines for nearly 30 years. From growing a successful business together to serving Montanans together, I’m proud to call Steve a true friend and partner. Montana is stronger today because of Steve’s work to cut taxes, champion our agricultural industry internationally, and strengthen our national defense. He made a big impact and his leadership and service to our state will be missed.”
This story will be updated.
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