The defection follows an expenditure of at least $5.8M by an independent PAC on television ads attacking Bankhead to position Bodnar as the primary challenger to Republican Kurt Alme. Alme is a 9 in 10 favorite to win the seat according to Decision Desk HQ's forecast. Bankhead has vowed not to withdraw despite these pressures and facing allegations that she is a Republican plant funded by dark money.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
Montana Democratic Chair Quits to Endorse Independent for US Senate
US Politics8 days ago
Shannon O'Brien has claimed that Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead lacks the resources and political will to win the upcoming US Senate election in Montana. To signal this lack of confidence, O'Brien resigned as chair of the Montana Democratic Party to instead endorse independent candidate Seth Bodnar, abandoning the party's own nominee in the final stretch of the campaign.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.