Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines Abruptly Drops Out of Reelection Race Minutes Before Filing Deadline

Montana Republican Senator Steve Daines abruptly withdrew from his reelection bid on Wednesday, just minutes before the official filing deadline for the 2026 Senate race.

Coming in just eleven minutes before the official filing deadline in Helena, Daines, the Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and a powerful figure in the GOP hierarchy, has left the party in an absolute state of chaos.

The two-term Republican senator confirmed Wednesday in a video statement posted on X that he will not seek a third term in the U.S. Senate.

Steve Daines:
Serving the people of Montana in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate for the past 13 years has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I’m grateful to God for allowing me to serve, but after much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek reelection. Prior to public service, I spent 28 years in the private sector. While I found those years very rewarding, they didn’t compare to the fulfillment I found in public service. I’m energized, I’m encouraged, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.

I’m also very thankful to have served alongside President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate. Together, we built a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. We spearheaded Republican control of the U.S. Senate. We delivered the largest tax cut in U.S. history. We unleashed American energy dominance and secured our southern border.

We also enacted the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, the most significant conservation achievement in half a century. And we forged stronger ties with critical allies around the world. I’m especially indebted to my exceptional staff, who have worked tirelessly each day to serve Montanans. Thank you for creating countless raving fans through your efforts.

And finally, I’m most grateful to my sweet wife, Cindy, of 39 years. For the past 13 years, Cindy has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C. Together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter—cherishing moments with our seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana, and continuing to make a difference.

WATCH:

An announcement pic.twitter.com/7HCofBTUMA

— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) March 5, 2026

The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more suspicious. By waiting until the final moments to pull the plug, Daines has effectively boxed out potential MAGA challengers who might have been preparing to jump in.

Within minutes of Daines stepping aside, Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed paperwork to run for the seat, immediately positioning himself as the leading Republican candidate.

Alme’s candidacy received a rapid endorsement from Donald Trump, who praised Daines and signaled his support for the new GOP contender.

Trump wrote that Daines had decided to “pass the torch” to Alme, calling the former U.S. attorney his preferred successor for the Senate seat.

Trump wrote on Truth Social:

Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators. He honorably served for 12 years in the Senate, and 2 in the House of Representatives.

He did a job like few others are capable of doing but, sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, “pass the torch” to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.

In fact, if Kurt didn’t have the highest level of aptitude and talent, Steve would have remained exactly where he is but, Kurt is exceptional, and I will be giving him, based on Steve’s strongest recommendation, my Complete and Total Endorsement. Governor Greg Gianforte and Senator Tim Sheehy have also Endorsed Kurt.

A Highly Respected Criminal Prosecutor in my Administration, and distinguished Harvard Law School Graduate, Kurt knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to ensure LAW AND ORDER, advocate for our Heroes in Law Enforcement, and strongly support our Military and Veterans.

As your next Senator, Kurt will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion our Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.

Kurt Alme is an exceptional person, and will do a fantastic job as your next United States Senator from the Great State of Montana — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!

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