Seth Bodnar, an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, is gaining support from voters across the political spectrum in Montana. Bodnar, a former University of Montana president, is running in a four-way race that includes a favored Republican, a Democrat, and a Libertarian candidate.
Bodnar, 47, has raised more than $1.8 million more than the Republican candidate through September 2026, according to campaign finance reports. He has also drawn support from both Democrats and Republicans, including Tom Stergios, a Republican who described himself as “not a Trump Republican” and supported Bodnar due to his disapproval of the current political climate.
Bodnar has faced criticism, including from some who believe the Democratic nominee, Alani Bankhead, is the true independent in the race. He has also drawn skepticism from those who question the role of large donations in politics. Despite this, Bodnar continues to resonate with Montanans, often emphasizing his disaffection with both major political parties.
Bodnar, who previously registered to vote as a Democrat in Connecticut, stated he does not align with any political party. He criticized the radical positions of members of both parties, calling slogans like “open borders” and “defund the police” “crazy.” He also expressed concerns about far-right positions, including pardoning individuals who attacked police officers and downplaying the significance of January 6, 2021.
