Who is Alani Bankhead and what is Bankhead running on in the 2026 Montana Senate race?

Alani Bankhead is the Democratic candidate for Montana U.S. Senate. Air Force lieutenant colonel and leadership coach; won June 2026 Democratic primary with 43.6%. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Open seat (Republican Steve Daines withdrew minutes before the March 5, 2026 filing deadline and endorsed Alme).
• Rating: Solid R (Cook and Inside Elections).
• Polling: Alme 44, Bodnar 22, Bankhead 19 (Alme campaign internal, late Aug 2026, via Semafor); averages: Alme about 43 to 44, Bodnar 24 to 27, Bankhead 19 to 21.

Why Bankhead is behind

• Anti-Republican vote is split between independent Bodnar and Democrat Bankhead, who refused to drop out; Alme only needs a plurality.
• Montana’s Republican lean; Alme is backed by Trump, Daines and Gov. Gianforte.
• Head-to-head, Bodnar polled even with Alme (Tavern Research), so consolidation would make it competitive.
• Polling averages give Alme about an 18-point lead.

What Bankhead is running on

• Healthcare. Proposes universal coverage modeled on the military’s TRICARE system.
• Immigration. Would deny ICE funding until it is held accountable for enforcement violations.
• Trump. Signed a citizens’ impeachment pledge targeting Trump.
• Cost of living. Emphasizes lowering living costs.

In Bankhead’s own words

“not only no, but hell no”

The other candidates

• Kurt Alme (R)
• Seth Bodnar (I)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.