Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar has launched an independent campaign to challenge Republican Sen. Steve Daines in November. An announcement planned for Wednesday comes after Democrats suffered stinging defeats in Montana over the past several election cycles. Daines is a former business executive and close ally of President Donald Trump who is seeking a third term. Democrats control no statewide offices in Montana following the 2024 defeat of three-term incumbent Sen. Jon Tester. Bodnar says America’s political system is broken, with the mainstream parties pitting people against each other.
