Steve Daines’s sudden exit came just moments before Montana’s filing deadline, leaving the GOP without an incumbent on the ballot. In a brief statement, Daines said he “wrestled with the decision for months” and that “he looks forward to spending time with his seven grandchildren and more time in Montana.” The move cleared the way for Kurt Alme, the Montana U.S. Attorney, to announce his candidacy.
President Donald Trump immediately endorsed Alme, declaring, “Sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, ‘pass the torch’ to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.” Trump’s endorsement signaled a swift hand‑off to a Trump‑aligned successor.
Former university leader Seth Bodnar, an independent candidate, entered the race the same day, calling Daines “a handpicked successor” and accusing him of betraying Montanans. Bodnar said, “America’s political system is broken and elected officials in Washington are looking out only for people who are wealthy and connected.”
Al Olszewski, a former state senator, also criticized the maneuver, saying, “We don’t simply accept replacements selected by the deep state and D.C. for them to lord power over us.” The criticism highlighted voter frustration with perceived party control over nominations.
Daines’s campaign finances reflected his seniority: Federal Election Commission filings show he raised more than $8 million since his 2020 re‑election and had about $5 million cash on hand at the end of 2025. His retirement reshapes the Montana Senate contest, potentially strengthening the GOP’s Senate majority while opening space for an independent challenge.