Trump Endorses Alme for Montana Senate Seat After Daines’ Withdrawal

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Kurt Alme for the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by Steve Daines, who announced he would not seek a third term. This endorsement, shared on Truth Social, highlights Daines’ twelve years of service in the Senate and his earlier tenure in the House of Representatives. Trump praised Daines as “one of our truly Great United States Senators” and expressed confidence in Alme’s potential to succeed him.

In his statement, Trump remarked, “Steve Daines… 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.” Alme previously served as Montana’s U.S. Attorney during Trump’s first term, bringing a wealth of experience to the upcoming campaign.

The candidate filing deadline for the Montana Senate race closed at 17:00 on March 15, 2024, with Daines’ status updated to “withdrawn” on the Montana Secretary of State’s website. Trump emphasized his commitment to Alme, stating, “He is exceptional, and I will be giving him… my Complete and Total Endorsement. He will do a fantastic job as your next United States Senator from the Great State of Montana — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”

Governor Greg Gianforte and Senator Tim Sheehy have also endorsed Alme, further solidifying his support among key Republican figures in Montana. In addition to Alme, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar has entered the Senate race as an independent candidate, receiving backing from former U.S. Senator Jon Tester. Ten other candidates have also filed to run in the primary scheduled for June 2, 2024.

The political landscape in the Senate is shifting, with Republicans currently holding a slim majority of 53 seats compared to the Democrats’ 45, plus two independents, according to data from The Associated Press. Daines’ exit marks the 15th retirement announcement by a senator since the 2024 election cycle began, the highest number in any single term since 2013.

Gianforte expressed gratitude for Daines’ contributions to the state, stating, “Steve made a big impact and his leadership and service to our state will be missed.” He reflected on their long-standing friendship, emphasizing Daines’ efforts to cut taxes, support the agricultural sector, and enhance national defense.

Sheehy echoed these sentiments, calling Daines “a giant in Montana politics.” He noted Daines’ role in a conservative transformation of the state, which resulted in all statewide offices flipping to Republican control. Sheehy praised Daines for stepping down at a peak moment in his career to allow new leadership to emerge.

Earlier this week, four-term Montana Representative Ryan Zinke announced his retirement due to health issues, subsequently endorsing former staff member and radio talk show host Aaron Flint, who has also received Trump’s endorsement. As the race develops, the political dynamics in Montana continue to evolve, with multiple candidates vying for attention ahead of the primary elections.