Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) announced he will not seek a third term in the 2026 Senate race and withdrew his re-election candidacy before Montana’s filing deadline.
The decision was reported by Politico and other outlets minutes before Montana’s 2026 federal primary filing deadline closed at 5 p.m. local time.
Daines had filed earlier but withdrew his candidacy, creating an open seat for the 2026 election.
In a video statement he said serving Montana in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate for the past 13 years had been the greatest honor of his professional career and that he would not seek re-election after months of deliberation.
He said it was time for new leaders like Tim Sheehy to lead Montana in the United States Senate.
Daines noted he previously served in the U.S. House before two terms in the U.S. Senate.
He added that serving with President Donald Trump had been an honor and he thanked staff and family for their support.
He said he looked forward to cherishing moments with seven grandchildren and spending more time in Montana.
Endorsements and candidates
While his video did not formally name a successor he pointed to junior senator Tim Sheehy as an example of the leadership Montana should seek.
Sheehy was first elected last November after defeating Democratic incumbent Jon Tester.
In a separate statement Daines endorsed U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme of Billings as a candidate for the seat.
He praised Alme’s record under President Trump, noting Project Safe Neighborhoods, work on the meth crisis, confronting cartels and efforts to make Montana safer.
Daines said Alme had been appointed U.S. Attorney by President Trump in his first term and reappointed after Trump’s reelection.
Alme filed his candidacy at 4:52 p.m. local time and was promptly endorsed by President Trump, Tim Sheehy, and Governor Greg Gianforte.
On the Democratic side declared candidates include Air Force Lt. Col. (ret.) Alani Bankhead, tribal historic preservation officer Michael Black Wolf, and former state Rep. Reilly Neill.
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump endorses MAGA ally US Attorney KURT ALME for US Senate in the 2026 Montana election
Sen. Steve Daines withdrew his names MINUTES before the deadline.
ALME MUST WIN!
“Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney. In fact, if Kurt didn’t have the… pic.twitter.com/a3nzhEy5lI
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 5, 2026
Daines’ withdrawal is the latest in a string of Senate retirements ahead of the 2026 midterms, bringing the total to nine announced since last year including four Democrats and five Republicans.
