Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar officially launched his campaign for U.S. Senate Wednesday as an independent.

After Republican Montana Sen. Steve Daines decided to end his reelection bid Wednesday evening, observers noticed similarities between him and a Democratic lawmaker who made a similar move months ago.

As candidates begin filing with the state, Montana’s Western Congressional District primary shapes up as a race to watch.

Mont., announced he will not seek reelection for Montana’s western congressional district. Zinke has represented the district since 2023.

While Montana has a history of electing Democrats, it has trended Republican in recent elections. Trump won the state by about 20 points in 2024, with Democratic Sen. Jon Tester losing his re-election bid by 7 points. Tester, in 2018, was the last Democrat to win a statewide election in Montana.

Rep. Chuy García (D-IL) announced his retirement in November 2025 — leaving only enough time for his hand-picked successor, his chief of staff Patty Garcia (no relation), to register to run for the seat.

As the 2026 election cycle heats up in Montana with a flurry of last minute maneuvering, the races to represent Ravalli County in the Montana Legislature are taking shape.

Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana announced Monday he will not run for reelection, becoming the latest Republican to retire.