Republican Kurt Alme, Democrat Alani Bankhead, and independent Seth Bodnar faced off on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in the election for Montana’s U.S. Senate seat. The candidates are running to succeed retiring Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT). Polls across the state were scheduled to close at 10 p.m. EST.
The contest marks the first open U.S. Senate race in Montana since 1976. The state has consistently supported Donald Trump in three presidential elections, and Alme received endorsements from both the president and the retiring Daines.
Polling conducted ahead of the election showed Bodnar leading Bankhead as he sought to capitalize on political headwinds facing the GOP. NBC News reported an estimated 505,000 votes were expected to be processed as of 12:17 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Election data for the race is being provided by The Associated Press.
For the residents of Montana, the transition from a long-serving incumbent to a new representative will bring changes to who advocates for state interests in Washington, D.C. Whether the seat remains with the Republican party or shifts to an independent or Democrat will influence the legislative margins in a chamber where 50 seats are required to tie.
Following the close of polls at 10 p.m. EST on Nov. 3, 2026, election officials will begin the formal count. A final certified winner will be determined once all absentee and Election Day ballots are verified in the coming days.