Montana’s Democratic Senate candidate has decided to remain in the race, rejecting calls to step aside for an independent contender, which may benefit Republicans in the upcoming November elections.
With only hours left before the Monday deadline, Alani Bankhead confirmed she would not withdraw to allow independent candidate Seth Bodnar, supported by former Sen. John Tester (D-Mont.), a clearer path against Republican Kurt Alme.
“I’ll never bow down,” Bankhead asserted at a press conference before the 7 p.m. Eastern Time cutoff. “I am in this race to win it and I am staying through Nov. 3.”
Bankhead accused her rivals of being “hand-picked” by the establishment, while she emerged victorious in the Democratic Primary.
Her determination to stay was anticipated, as she told POLITICO earlier this month that only “a lightning bolt from God” could make her quit. She emphasized Bodnar’s support from Tester as evidence of his alignment with the establishment.
This situation presents challenges for Democrats, who have successfully persuaded candidates to withdraw for independents in other strongly Republican states won by President Donald Trump by substantial margins in 2024. In states like Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska, Democratic candidates have withdrawn, although legal issues may still arise in these cases.
Montana represents the Democrats’ best opportunity to gain a seat through an independent candidacy, but Bankhead’s continued presence complicates that goal significantly.
Polling indicates Bodnar is competitive in a direct contest with Alme and fares better than Bankhead would in a similar matchup. However, with both on the ballot, Alme holds a lead exceeding 20 points. While Democrats such as Tester and former Gov. Steve Bullock have achieved success in the Republican-leaning state, a divided ticket virtually guarantees a Republican victory and narrows the Democratic path to a Senate majority.
Bodnar and his supporters have intensified their efforts against Bankhead. A super PAC supporting Bodnar has criticized her on television, while another group has put up signs across the state urging her to exit the race.
Over 20 local Democratic lawmakers, along with past Democratic Party leaders, recently urged Bankhead to step down. However, their pleas were insufficient to sway her decision.
Speaking to reporters before the Monday deadline, Bodnar stated he also had no intention of withdrawing, while for the first time publicly criticizing Bankhead.
“On the Democratic side, millions of dollars of outside dark money poured into a primary to determine an outcome,” Bodnar remarked at a press conference. “Now they have a candidate who’s unvetted.”
