Buttigieg sides with the independent
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has endorsed Seth Bodnar, the independent candidate for U.S. Senate in Montana, rather than the Democratic nominee, Alani Bankhead. Bodnar's campaign announced the endorsement Friday, according to CBS News.
In a statement, Buttigieg, whom CBS describes as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, praised Bodnar's approach to public service. He said the best leaders he has served with, in uniform and in government, "care more about getting the job done than about who gets the credit, and Seth is one of them." Buttigieg also acknowledged that the two men differ on some issues, saying, "Seth and I don't agree on everything."
Bodnar responded that he was "honored to have Secretary Buttigieg's support, and proud that people across the political spectrum are joining this campaign."
Who Bodnar is and what he promises
Bodnar is 47 and a retired U.S. Army Green Beret. CBS reports that he graduated first in his class at West Point, is a Rhodes scholar, and until recently served as president of the University of Montana. Buttigieg pointed to that record in his statement, citing Bodnar's service from the Army Green Berets to the university.
His campaign centers on independence, affordability and fighting corruption, according to CBS. Bodnar has said that if he wins, he will not caucus with Democrats or with Republicans and will remain an independent. That pledge sets his bid apart from a conventional party-backed campaign, even as a prominent national Democrat now supports him.
A crowded field in a Republican-leaning state
Three candidates are on the ballot: Bodnar, Bankhead and Republican nominee Kurt Alme. CBS notes that Montana is considered solidly Republican, with far more voters having supported GOP candidates than Democratic ones.
Bodnar's background and message appear to be attracting some support among Montanans, the network reports. As a result, Bankhead has faced calls to drop out so that Bodnar would have a better chance of winning. With both of them on the ballot, CBS says they are likely to split the backing of voters who do not support Alme. The CBS report did not include a response from Bankhead to those calls or to Buttigieg's endorsement.
An open seat and a busy final stretch
The race exists in its current form because Republican Sen. Steve Daines abruptly decided not to seek reelection shortly before the March filing deadline, which opened the seat.
Republicans are continuing to campaign in the state. President Trump held a rally in Montana last week to encourage turnout for Alme and for congressional candidate Aaron Flint, CBS reports. Vice President JD Vance is also expected to hold a rally in Montana next week.
