Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced an endorsement of independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar in Montana, bypassing the state’s Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead less than two weeks before the November election.
Buttigieg, who has been mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, praised Bodnar’s military and public service record in a statement shared with ABC News. "The best leaders I've served with, in uniform and in government, care more about getting the job done than about who gets the credit, and Seth is one of them," Buttigieg wrote. "Seth and I don't agree on everything, but he has spent his adult life serving this country and the next generation ... and he'll bring that same character to the Senate on behalf of all Montanans."
Bodnar, a former University of Montana president and Green Beret, is running against Republican Kurt Alme and Democratic nominee Bankhead. Buttigieg did not mention Bankhead in his statement.
Why This Matters
Montana has become a focal point in the 2024 Senate races, with both major parties increasing attention on the state in recent weeks. Buttigieg’s endorsement reflects a broader trend in several states, including Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho, where some Democrats have backed independent candidates over party nominees in an effort to improve their chances of winning Senate seats.
Bankhead, an Air Force veteran, won the Democratic primary in June but has faced pressure to withdraw from the race to consolidate Democratic support behind Bodnar. She has alleged that Democratic Party officials attempted to persuade her to drop out, a claim the party denies, according to ABC affiliate KWYB.
Reactions and Implications
Buttigieg’s endorsement highlights Bodnar’s perceived electability compared to Bankhead, particularly among voters seeking an alternative to the Republican candidate. In his statement, Buttigieg framed Bodnar as someone who would "fight corruption in Washington, defend reproductive freedom, and work across the aisle to lower costs and actually get things done."
Bankhead has resisted calls to step aside, arguing that her candidacy represents the Democratic platform. She has not publicly responded to Buttigieg’s endorsement.
Background on the Race
Montana’s Senate race is seen as a potential pickup opportunity for Democrats, who aim to flip the seat currently held by Republicans. The state’s political landscape has shifted in recent years, with independent candidates gaining traction in races where party divisions could split the vote.
Bodnar, a military veteran with experience in higher education, has positioned himself as a pragmatic leader capable of bridging partisan divides. His campaign has emphasized his service record and commitment to bipartisan problem-solving.
What’s Next
The election will be held on November 5, with early voting already underway in Montana. Polling data has not been widely released, but analysts suggest that the presence of two non-Republican candidates—Bodnar and Bankhead—could complicate efforts to unseat the Republican incumbent.
Buttigieg’s endorsement adds momentum to Bodnar’s campaign but does not guarantee victory. The outcome will depend on voter turnout and how the electorate weighs the competing candidacies.