PRESS RELEASE
Racicot, Tester, Baucus, Geise, Bradley, Buchanan Endorse Independent Seth Bodnar for U.S. Senate
MISSOULA, MT — A coalition of stalwart Montana Republicans, Democrats, and Independents today endorsed Seth Bodnar in his Independent campaign for the U.S. Senate, including former Republican Governor Mark Racicot; Democratic former U.S. Senator Jon Tester; Democratic former U.S. Senator Max Baucus; former Chair of the Montana Republican Party Susan Geise; Democratic former legislator and candidate for Governor Dorothy Bradley; and former Independent candidate for Montana's eastern congressional district Gary Buchanan.
The endorsements span the political spectrum, from lifelong Republicans and Democrats to the growing ranks of Montanans who reject party labels altogether. Bodnar’s broad slate of support reflects a campaign built on common ground rather than partisan division, and a candidate whose service record demonstrates a rare ability to forge consensus across party lines.
"When Republicans, Independents, and Democrats stand together behind one campaign, it sends a message Washington can't ignore: Montanans are done being divided by politicians who care more about their party than their people,” Bodnar said. “I'm not running to fight for a partisan outcome or a Party, I'm running to fight for Montana. I’m honored to have the support of these Montana leaders from across the political spectrum who understand that in order to break through the partisan gridlock, we need an Independent voice for Montana in the U.S. Senate."
“I’ve known and worked with Seth Bodnar during the years he served as President of the University of Montana. In that time, I quickly learned that Seth’s motivation and success, throughout his career, are the product of his character, integrity, and dedication to service. As a result, if elected, I have no doubt he will make an excellent U.S. Senator for Montana," said Marc Racicot, former Republican Governor of Montana 1993-2001.
"Montana is an independent state in spirit, and Seth Bodnar carries that tradition proudly. As a veteran, patriot, and father, Seth will take those values to Washington, DC where they’re in short supply," said Susan Geise, former Chair of the Montana Republican Party
"Our country is at a crossroads, and we need folks in Washington with integrity and who understand you’re there to solve problems, not start them. Seth Bodnar is a veteran who has a deep understanding of service and an exceptional character, and he’s not going to get pushed around by partisan politics. He’s what Montanans need: an Independent voice who will work with folks of all political stripes to deliver for our state," said Jon Tester, Democratic U.S. Senator 2007-2025.
“When I retired after serving longer than anyone else in the United States Senate from Montana, I thought I’d seen it all. But now our country is too divided, our state too important. Seth Bodnar is the kind of Independent leader who can pull us out of this mess and chart a new path for the state we love,” said Max Baucus, Democratic U.S. Senator 1978-2014.
"Seth Bodnar has what we should expect from all our leaders: a sense of service over self, and a dedication to his family, state, and country. And, I trust him. I trust his ability and willingness to tackle our real problems no matter how big, and work together with all of us to solve them," said Dorothy Bradley, Democratic former legislator and gubernatorial candidate.
"The division and partisan dysfunction coming out of Washington makes it clear that Montana needs an Independent voice in the U.S. Senate, someone who answers only to the people of this state and never to Party bosses. Seth Bodnar is a soldier, a principled leader, and someone who will work with all sides to find solutions that improve the lives of Montana families. I'm proud to support him," said Gary Buchanan, former Independent candidate for Montana's eastern congressional district.
Seth Bodnar is a Green Beret, business leader, and former president of the University of Montana running for the U.S. Senate to be an independent voice for Montana. Seth is guided by a lifelong commitment to duty, honor, and country. He graduated first in his class at West Point and served multiple overseas deployments, leading soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Special Forces Group, and serving as a special advisor to the commanding general in Iraq. After his military service and a successful career in business, Seth spent the last eight years leading the University of Montana. Under his leadership, the university achieved record high graduation rates, doubled research funding, launched the largest infrastructure renewal in campus history, restored financial stability, and was named the #1 military-friendly university in the country. Raised by two public school teachers, he believes leadership is about service, not party loyalty. Seth and his wife, a fifth-generation Montanan, are raising their three children in Montana.