Steve Daines Retires From Senate, Trump Quickly Backs Successor In Montana
Sen. Steve Daines announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate, abruptly stepping aside shortly after the filing deadline and opening the door for a Trump-backed successor in Montana.
Daines withdrew his re-election filing just before the 5 p.m. deadline with the Montana Secretary of State’s office, according to the Montana Television Network. Minutes earlier, Kurt Alme, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, filed paperwork to run for the seat.
“Serving the people of Montana in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate the past 13 years has been the greatest honor of my professional career,” Daines said in a video announcing his decision. “After much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek re-election.”
An announcement? pic.twitter.com/7HCofBTUMA
— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) March 5, 2026
Shortly after the announcement, President Donald Trump threw his support behind Alme, calling the former federal prosecutor an “exceptional person.”
“In fact, if Kurt didn’t have the highest level of aptitude and talent, Steve would have remained exactly where he is,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Based on Steve’s strongest recommendation, I will be giving him my Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Trump praised Alme’s background as a prosecutor and his prior service during the Trump administration, highlighting his support for law enforcement, the military, and veterans.
Alme quickly consolidated support within the Republican Party. The National Republican Senatorial Committee also endorsed his candidacy, with chairman Tim Scott saying the party looks forward to keeping Montana in Republican hands.
“The NRSC looks forward to keeping Montana red this November and welcoming Kurt as the state’s next U.S. Senator,” Scott said.
Alme will face Charles Walking Child in the Republican primary scheduled for June 2. Several Democratic candidates have also entered the race, including former state representative Reilly Neill.
Neill criticized the timing of Daines’s decision, arguing that it showed disorganization within Montana’s Republican leadership.
“Daines dropping out of this race is another example of the Montana Republican Party being in complete disarray,” Neill said in a video posted to social media.
National Democrats also weighed in, including Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, who blasted the timing of the move and accused Republicans of trying to manipulate the race.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the decision ultimately rests with Montana voters.
“How he handled it is his business,” Thune said. “It will be up to the people of Montana to decide who the next senator is.”
Montana has leaned strongly Republican in recent elections. In 2024, Republican Tim Sheehy defeated Democratic Sen. Jon Tester with more than 52% of the vote.
The Cook Political Report currently rates the upcoming Montana Senate race as “Solid Republican,” giving the GOP a strong advantage heading into the general election.