Montana Democratic Party Chair Shannon O’Brien announced her resignation on Monday, simultaneously endorsing independent candidate Seth Bodnar over the party’s Senate nominee, Alani Bankhead. O’Brien made the announcement in an MS NOW op-ed, stating she could not support Bankhead due to concerns about her viability and policy positions. Early voting in Montana began prior to her announcement.
O’Brien’s rationale for resignation and endorsement
In her op-ed, O’Brien cited Bankhead’s lack of momentum, resources, or confidence in her ability to win as reasons for her decision. She also questioned Bankhead’s commitment to protecting abortion rights, support for working people, and views on poverty, describing Bankhead as “almost brand new” to Montana. O’Brien instead urged voters to back Bodnar, who will face Republican nominee Kurt Alme in the November election.
Bankhead responds to O’Brien’s criticism
Bankhead, the Democratic nominee, disputed O’Brien’s claims in a statement to The Epoch Times. She stated she is pro-choice and would support a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights. Bankhead also highlighted her 21 years of service in the Air Force and upbringing as an “Army and embassy kid.” She accused O’Brien of working against her campaign since summer, including a July meeting with the Montana Democratic Party’s executive board to discuss leaving the Senate nominee line empty. Bankhead added that O’Brien sought a legal opinion on whether the party could replace her if she withdrew.
O’Brien’s public absence and party response
O’Brien’s publicly listed email on the Montana Democratic Party’s website returned an “address not found” error when contacted by The Epoch Times for comment. Bankhead criticized O’Brien’s endorsement of Bodnar, arguing that a party chair’s role is to support the nominee chosen in an open primary. The Montana Democratic Party has not publicly addressed O’Brien’s resignation or her endorsement beyond the op-ed and initial reports.