Statement from Montana’s Independent U.S. Senate Candidate Seth Bodnar

MISSOULA, MT — Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar released the following statement after reports surfaced over the weekend of an organized effort targeting the family members of Democratic candidate Alani Bankhead:

“Whatever anyone thinks about this US Senate race, the underhanded, dark money-fueled tactics we’re seeing are exactly what Montanans are sick of. 

“I learned of rumors this weekend that some groups have encouraged people to contact candidates’ family members about this race. If true, that is absolutely unacceptable. I abhor this type of behavior, and it needs to stop immediately.

“If this was done by an organization supporting me, let me be very clear: stop this immediately.

“As I’ve shared numerous times, I have never asked Alani Bankhead to drop out of this race, and I’m not asking now.

“These cynical, two-faced political tactics are the worst symbol of our broken political system. Recently, my personal cell phone number was shared by Republican dark money groups, the same Republican groups that have been sending fundraising messages supporting Alani Bankhead. This nonsense hurts our country, whether it comes from the party bosses who installed Kurt Alme on the ballot or the shadowy groups playing both sides of this race.

“I got into this race because Montanans deserve an independent voice who isn't bought, won't be bullied, and isn't part of these games. We can disagree, even fiercely, without losing our decency toward each other. That's the standard Montanans deserve, and the one I'll keep asking this race to meet all the way to November." 

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.

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