Pete Buttigieg has endorsed independent Seth Bodnar over his own party’s nominee in Montana’s open Senate race, a move that exposes Democratic doubts about winning in deep-red states.
ABC News reported that the former transportation secretary is backing Bodnar, a Green Beret and former University of Montana president running as an independent, rather than Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead.
The endorsement was shared first with the network. Buttigieg did not mention Bankhead in his statement. The race is for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Steve Daines, with former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme running as the Republican.
Buttigieg framed the choice around service and results, not party loyalty.
"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. 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,"
He added a second pitch aimed at Montana voters tired of gridlock.
"Montana deserves a senator who will fight corruption in Washington, defend reproductive freedom, and work across the aisle to lower costs and actually get things done. Seth Bodnar will be that Senator,"
Bodnar welcomed the help and cast himself as above party labels.
"Montanans have always voted for the person, not the party, and they want a senator who will put their families, jobs, and public lands ahead of partisan games in Washington. I'll answer to Montana, and I'll work with anyone who's willing to do the same,"
He also said he was honored by Buttigieg’s support “and proud that people across the political spectrum are joining this campaign.”
Bankhead, an Air Force veteran, won the Democratic primary in June. She has rebuffed pressure to withdraw and clear a path for Bodnar.
She alleged that people inside the Democratic Party tried to push her out of the race. The party denies that claim, according to ABC affiliate KWYB. No detailed account of who made the approach or what was offered appears in the reporting.
The three-way dynamic creates a practical problem for Democrats. Votes from Democrats or from voters unhappy with Republicans may split between Bodnar and Bankhead, easing the path for Alme.
Montana is not alone. Many Democrats are backing independents for Senate in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho as well. The pattern shows a party willing to sidestep its own nominees when the map looks tough.
Buttigieg has spent the past two years stumping for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. He has said he is focused on the 2026 midterms and electing Democrats while confirming he would consider a 2028 presidential bid. Endorsing an independent in a red-state Senate race fits a results-first posture more than a party-building one.
Alme is running to succeed Daines and has already drawn top-tier Republican attention. President Donald Trump joined him and other Republicans for a rally in Montana last week. Vice President JD Vance is set to rally in the state next week.
At a campaign stop, Alme stressed affordability, safety, and local priorities.
"I'm ready to step up again to make our lives more affordable, make our communities safer, and protect our Montana way of life,"
He drew a sharp contrast with the field on the left.
"And unlike my liberal opponents, I have the experience to get it done."
Alme’s résumé as a former federal prosecutor gives him a law-and-order lane that travels well in Montana. The Republican side is not split. The Democratic side is.
Buttigieg’s statement praised Bodnar’s character and service. It never named the woman who actually won the Democratic primary. That silence is the story as much as the endorsement itself.
Bankhead remains on the ballot. Bodnar remains an independent. Alme remains the sole major Republican. Voters will decide whether the left’s internal bet on “electability” produces a senator or simply divides the opposition.
For a national party that spends years recruiting and primarying candidates, watching a high-profile surrogate elevate an independent over the nominee sends a clear signal: when the map is hard, loyalty to the primary winner is optional.
When party elites treat their own nominee as disposable, voters notice, and Montana Republicans are ready to take the seat.
