Potential Senate Run by University of Montana President Stirs Political Waters
The political landscape in Montana is abuzz with speculation regarding the possibility of University of Montana President Seth Bodnar entering the race for the U.S. Senate as an independent candidate. Rumors suggest that Bodnar, an accomplished military veteran and former executive at General Electric, may challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines. However, opinions are divided on how his potential candidacy might impact the electoral dynamics.
While Bodnar has not publicly declared his intentions, sources have indicated that he is contemplating a Senate bid and may soon make a decision. Although many believe Bodnar may run as an independent, some within the Democratic camp argue that aligning with the party’s infrastructure could offer a more viable path to unseating Daines.
Bodnar has maintained a largely nonpartisan stance during his tenure at UM, not affiliating with any political party. He did not respond to inquiries from the Daily Montanan regarding his political ambitions. Former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, the last Democrat to hold statewide office in Montana, reportedly expressed support for an independent Bodnar campaign while criticizing the Democratic Party, which he purportedly described as “poison” in a text. Tester later clarified on his podcast, “Grounded,” that media reports had misrepresented his support for the Democratic Party.
Nationally, political analysts predict a shift towards the Democratic Party during the midterms as dissatisfaction with the Republican-led government grows. However, Democratic candidates in Montana lack widespread recognition. In contrast, Bodnar is a well-known figure, having been considered as a potential challenger to Daines in 2020 before former Gov. Steve Bullock entered the race.
Bodnar’s impressive resume includes being a Rhodes Scholar and Truman Scholar at Oxford University, as well as a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His military service as a Green Beret aligns with other recently elected officials in Montana, such as Navy Seals Ryan Zinke and Tim Sheehy. Notably, Daines is the only Montanan in Congress without military experience.
Having served as a senior executive at General Electric, Bodnar was appointed president of the University of Montana in 2018 and has held the position since. A spokesperson for UM confirmed that no decision has been made regarding Bodnar’s potential Senate run.
Running as an independent presents significant challenges, especially against a well-established incumbent like Daines. As chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Daines played a key role in eliminating Democrats from statewide offices. Despite winning his 2020 reelection by a 10-point margin against Bullock, several Democrats have entered the race to challenge him, encouraged by a potential national swing to the left.
Reilly Neill, a former legislator and current Democratic candidate, expressed skepticism about Bodnar’s independent run, labeling him a “corporate shill” and questioning the financial backing behind his potential campaign. Neill asserted her commitment to connecting with Montanans directly and downplayed the impact of Tester’s alleged comments on her campaign.
Other Democratic contenders include Alani Bankhead, who highlighted her Air Force background and work against internet crimes in her campaign announcement video, as well as Michael Hummert and Michael Black Wolf. Charles Walking Child has filed as a Republican candidate.
Democratic Party chair Shannon O’Brien emphasized the party’s role in supporting all Democratic candidates and reiterated the party’s focus on removing Republicans from office. She stated, “We believe there is a blue wave that is happening right now,” pointing to widespread dissatisfaction with current Republican leadership.
While the Cook Political Report rates the Montana Senate seat as “Solid Republican,” the presence of a well-funded independent candidate like Bodnar could disrupt traditional voting patterns. As president of a prominent Montana institution, Bodnar is a familiar face across the state, having engaged with communities to promote university enrollment and partnerships.
Tester’s podcast remarks clarified his longstanding commitment to the Democratic Party, despite recent tensions with state party members. O’Brien noted her commitment to electing Democrats at all levels, expressing pride in her role as party chair.
