U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana announced his retirement shortly after the re-election filing deadline, clearing the path for Kurt Alme, who received endorsements from President Donald Trump and Daines. Alme, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, filed moments before Daines withdrew his bid. The move has drawn criticism from Democrats who question the timing.
On Wednesday, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) informed the Montana Secretary of State’s office that he was withdrawing his re-election bid just before the 5 p.m. deadline. This came moments after Kurt Alme, the United States Attorney for the District of Montana, submitted his filing to run for the seat, according to the Montana Television Network. The Republican primary is scheduled for June 2.
In a video statement posted that day, Daines reflected on his tenure: “Serving the people of Montana in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate the past 13 years has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I’m grateful to God for allowing me to serve. But after much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek re-election.”
Later that evening, President Donald Trump endorsed Alme on Truth Social, describing him as an “exceptional person” and a “Highly Respected Criminal Prosecutor” from his administration, as well as a Harvard Law School graduate. Trump highlighted Daines’ decision to “pass the torch,” stating, “In fact, if Kurt didn’t have the highest level of aptitude and talent, Steve would have remained exactly where he is but, Kurt is exceptional, and I will be giving him, based on Steve’s strongest recommendation, my Complete and Total Endorsement.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) also supported Alme. NRSC Chair Sen. Tim Scott said, “the NRSC looks forward to keeping Montana red this November, and welcoming Kurt as the state’s next U.S. Senator.” Daines had chaired the NRSC during the 2024 election cycle.
Alme now faces Charles Walking Child in the Republican primary, while several Democrats are vying for the nomination and former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar is running as an independent.
Democratic candidate and former state representative Reilly Neill criticized the announcement, saying in a video on X, “Daines dropping out of this race is another example of the Montana Republican Party being in complete disarray.” She added, “The Montana Republican Party, they’ve done nothing but bend the knee to an administration that’s hurt our farmers, our ranchers, and this is unacceptable.” Neill viewed the retirement as “a good development for Montana.”
Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA) called the timing “bullshit,” posting on X, “A Montana Senator is rigging an election and it’s miles beneath the dignity of our democracy.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune commented to Punchbowl News that Daines may have decided recently, noting, “You’ve got filing deadlines in your states and you’re going to take into consideration that in terms of your timing. You know, how he handled it is his business and will be up to the people of Montana to decide who the next senator is.”
This follows Montana’s 2024 Senate race, where Republican Tim Sheehy defeated Democratic incumbent Jon Tester with over 52% of the vote. The Cook Political Report currently rates the 2026 contest as “Solid Republican.”
