Republican U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced on Wednesday his intent not to seek reelection in Montana, as President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to endorse GOP candidate Kurt Alme to fill the longtime senator’s seat.
Newsweek reached out to Alme’s campaign via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Daines withdrew his 2026 reelection bid minutes before the filing deadline, clearing the path for Alme to enter the race and quickly secure endorsements. Alme filed his paperwork just before Daines pulled his, according to multiple media reports.
Daines noted in his post to X on Wednesday night that he is thankful for his time serving with Trump and his Senate colleagues.
What To Know
In a post to Truth Social, Trump said, “Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators. He honorably served for 12 years in the Senate, and 2 in the House of Representatives. He 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.
“In fact, if Kurt didn’t have the highest level of aptitude and talent, Steve would have remained exactly where he is but, Kurt is exceptional, and I will be giving him, based on Steve’s strongest recommendation, my Complete and Total Endorsement. Governor Greg Gianforte and Senator Tim Sheehy have also Endorsed Kurt.
“A Highly Respected Criminal Prosecutor in my Administration, and distinguished Harvard Law School Graduate, Kurt knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to ensure LAW AND ORDER, advocate for our Heroes in Law Enforcement, and strongly support our Military and Veterans. As your next Senator, Kurt will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion our Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Kurt Alme is an exceptional person, and will do a fantastic job as your next United States Senator from the Great State of Montana — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
Alme served as U.S. attorney for the District of Montana from 2017 to 2020 and again beginning in March 2025. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and law degree from Harvard Law School. Alme then moved on as clerk for Montana U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell, the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Montana said in part in his bio.
Alme also served as assistant U.S. attorney in Montana from 2003 to 2010, while focusing on financial investigations involving fraud, money laundering and tax evasion, per his bio. He is a native Montanan from Great Falls and graduated from Custer County District High School.
What People Are Saying
Montana Republican U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, on X Wednesday: “Senator Daines is a giant in Montana politics and a master political strategist. Starting in 2012, Steve led a conservative revolution in our state that resulted in flipping every single statewide office to Republican control. In 2024, Steve did our country a great service leading the charge to win back Republican control of the U.S. Senate. Steve is doing something we don’t often see in modern politics: stepping down at the height of his power to clear the way for a new generation of leaders. I’m honored to call Steve a friend and am grateful for his years of service to our state.”
Montana Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, also on X Wednesday: “I’ve known @SteveDaines for nearly 30 years. From growing a successful business together to serving Montanans together, I’m proud to call Steve a true friend and partner. He made a big impact and his leadership and service to our state will be missed.”
What Happens Next
The primary vote in Montana is set for June 2 and the general election is scheduled for November 3.
