Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has endorsed independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar in Montana, bypassing the state’s Democratic nominee less than two weeks before the November election.
Buttigieg, who is rumored to be weighing a possible 2028 presidential campaign, praised Bodnar’s military and public service record in an endorsement reported by ABC News, saying he would bring a bipartisan approach to the Senate.
“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 said. “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.”
WHY EXPERTS AREN’T SOLD ON DEMOCRATS’ POLLING ADVANTAGE
The endorsement puts one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent figures behind an independent candidate rather than Alani Bankhead, the party’s nominee. Bodnar, however, has longstanding ties to Democrats, and his campaign has drawn support from prominent figures in the party who view him as an alternative to the Republican nominee.
Former Democratic Sen. Jon Tester’s political team has helped staff Bodnar’s campaign. The effort reflects a broader push by some Democrats to back independent Senate candidates in Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho, all typically red states.
Bodnar, 47, is a former Green Beret and GE Transportation executive who was the president of the University of Montana from 2018 through 2026. Since entering the Senate race, he has raised more than $1.8 million more than Republican nominee Kurt Alme and attracted support from voters across the political spectrum.
Some prominent Democrats have urged Bankhead, an Air Force veteran who won the Democratic primary in June, to abandon her campaign and consolidate opposition to Alme behind Bodnar.
Bodnar has argued that Montana voters should prioritize candidates over party labels, and he has criticized both Republicans and Democrats in Washington. He recently committed not to caucus with either party if elected.
Despite Bodnar’s fundraising performance and backing from prominent Democrats, the race remains rated as solidly Republican by the Cook Political Report. Sabato’s Crystal Ball similarly classifies the seat as safe for the GOP.
In a statement responding to Buttigieg’s endorsement, Bodnar said he was honored to receive the former transportation secretary’s support and welcomed backing from across the political spectrum.
“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,” Bodnar said. “I’ll answer to Montana, and I’ll work with anyone who’s willing to do the same.”
2026 MIDTERM ELECTIONS LIVE UPDATES: LATEST NEWS, RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
The endorsement comes as national Republicans ramp up their efforts to hold the seat. President Donald Trump joined Alme and other Republicans at a Montana rally last week, while Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to campaign in the state next week.
Buttigieg has spent the election cycle campaigning for and endorsing Democratic candidates across the country, raising his national profile as speculation continues about a possible presidential bid in 2028. He has not announced whether he intends to seek the Democratic nomination.
Continue reading...
[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
