Montana Democratic Party chair Shannon O’Brien resigns, endorses independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar

Shannon O’Brien resigned as chair of the Montana Democratic Party on Monday and publicly endorsed independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar, bypassing the party’s own nominee Alani Bankhead.

The move adds a new layer of turmoil to the 2026 Senate contest, where Democrats face a well‑funded Republican challenger, Kurt Alme, and an independent candidate who has drawn endorsements from former Democratic senator Jon Tester.

“I’m a person with a positive outlook. I’m uncomfortable being negative about anyone, especially a Democratic nominee,” O’Brien wrote in her MS Now op‑ed. “But sometimes it’s impossible to stay quiet; sometimes you have to make people uncomfortable for the greater good.”

O’Brien argued that Bankhead “does not have the momentum, resources or will to win this race,” and she questioned the nominee’s stance on reproductive rights, economic equity and poverty alleviation. She described Alme as a “puppet” for President Donald Trump who would likely vote in line with the Republican administration.

By contrast, O’Brien portrayed Bodnar as “someone who listens,” describing him as kind, hardworking and bright. She said her decision reflects her belief that advancing Democratic values in Montana now requires support for an independent who can attract a broader coalition.

“I’m deeply grateful for her courage and her service to Montana,” Bodnar posted on X, thanking O’Brien for the endorsement and urging Montanans of all political stripes to unite behind an independent senator who answers only to voters.

Bankhead responded sharply, accusing O’Brien of “working against” her for months and alleging that the former chair obtained a legal opinion without board approval to sidestep party procedures. She asserted that the Democratic Party had already chosen its nominee and that O’Brien’s exit was being used to campaign for a candidate who never ran in the primary.

The internal dispute comes as recent polling shows Alme holding a substantial lead over both Democratic and independent contenders. A Montana Free Press‑Rutgers Eagleton poll released last month put Bodnar eight points behind Alme, while Bankhead trailed by 22 points.

As the November election approaches, Montana Democrats must decide whether to rally behind their official nominee or follow O’Brien’s endorsement of an independent, a choice that could reshape the state’s political landscape and influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.