ElectionsTop story
Montana Democratic Party chair resigns and endorses independent Seth Bodnar for U.S. Senate
If you're sorting out your Senate ballot, there's a big shake-up to know about. Shannon O'Brien resigned Monday as chair of the Montana Democratic Party, effective immediately, and endorsed independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports that party members elected her chair in September 2025.
O'Brien wrote that "Bankhead does not have the momentum, resources or will to win this race," a reference to Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead. She also criticized the Bankhead campaign's tactics, funders and willingness to collaborate, and chastised the conservative PAC More Jobs, Less Government for supporting Bankhead during the Democratic Senate primary. The PAC spent $700,000 promoting Bankhead and attacking primary opponent Reilly Neill before the June 2 primary.
“I realized that there are still people, good Democrats, who are undecided, who are struggling with this decision. And I wanted them to know that it's okay to vote for someone who will uphold these values and who will win.”
Shannon O'Brien, to Montana Public Radio
Bankhead told Montana Public Radio she wasn't surprised and welcomed the resignation. "We continue on as normal," she said, adding that she's campaigning around the state before Nov. 3. Vice Chair Bruce Knutson is now party chair.
Also on the ballot are Republican Kurt Alme and Libertarian Kyle Austin. Last month's Montana Free Press-Eagleton polling, as the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports it, had Alme eight points ahead of Bodnar, with Bankhead 14 points behind Bodnar.
