Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) and former U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D., Mont.) are reportedly recruiting University of Montana President Seth Bodnar to enter this year’s U.S. Senate race in Montana, potentially as an independent candidate.
Despite indications he may run as independent, Bodnar’s extensive ties to Democrats at both the state and national level could complicate efforts to distance himself from the party in a state where the GOP remains dominant.
Bodnar, who announced his resignation as University of Montana president this week, has a long history with prominent Democrats. He was a special guest of First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2012 presidential debate and brought former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina onto his UM advisory team in 2018. Bodnar’s wife, Chelsea Elander, previously interned in the office of former Sen. Max Baucus (D., Mont.), and Messina has longstanding personal connections with the family.
During his tenure at UM, Bodnar supported progressive policies, including allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, which included permitting Juniper Eastwood, a transgender athlete assigned male at birth, to join the women’s Division I cross-country team.
Media reports suggest Bodnar is planning a Senate bid, which could be interpreted as Tester’s attempt to avenge his 2024 loss to now-Sen. Tim Sheehy (R., Mont.), in what was the most expensive Senate race per capita in U.S. history. National forecasters currently rate Montana as solidly Republican, and incumbent Sen. Steve Daines is seeking a third term.
Republicans have wasted little time responding. Within hours of Bodnar’s resignation, the Leadership in Action PAC — listing Attorney General Austin Knudsen as honorary chairman — released its first attack ad against him. The 30-second spot labels Bodnar an “East Coast academic elitist,” citing tuition hikes at UM and highlighting his decision to allow a transgender athlete to compete on women’s teams.
“We are not going to stand idly by while Bodnar and his left-coast allies try to scam Montana voters,” said the PAC in a press release.
Should Bodnar officially enter the race, his candidacy could reshape the 2026 Montana Senate contest. Analysts note that messaging from Republicans emphasizing Bodnar’s Democratic ties may make it difficult for him to maintain an “independent” image in a pro-Trump state.
The U.S. Senate race in Montana remains low-profile compared to 2024, but Bodnar’s potential entry, combined with national Democratic support, could intensify the contest in the coming months.
By BSB Staff