HELENA — On the final day of filing for Montana’s 2026 elections, former University of Montana president Seth Bodnar confirmed he is jumping into the race for U.S. Senate as an independent candidate.
Bodnar will officially file to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines on Wednesday. His campaign launched with a video posted to Youtube.
Jonathon Ambarian reports - watch the video:
His announcement comes after months of rumors that he would get into the race. When Bodnar resigned from UM in January after eight years as president, he said he and his family were considering “whether to pursue a new way to serve our state and our nation.”
“For too long, Montanans have watched as the American Dream has been held hostage by a broken political system that allows Washington politicians to divide us and line their own pockets while families across our state face higher costs and fewer opportunities,” said Bodnar in a news release on Wednesday. “I’m running for Senate as an Independent because Montanans deserve a leader who bridges divides with commonsense solutions, stands up to political elites in Washington, and answers only to Montana, not national party bosses or DC insiders.”
Bodnar served in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret. He worked as an executive with General Electric prior to becoming UM president in 2018.
In order to get on the November general election ballot as an independent, Bodnar will need to collect signatures from at least 13,327 registered voters across the state.
Besides Bodnar, four Democratic candidates and one Libertarian candidate have already filed to run against Daines. More people could still get into the race, with the filing period closing at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
(JANUARY 21, 2026) University of Montana president Seth Bodnar announced Wednesday he will step down after eight years leading the state's flagship educational institution, citing a desire to explore "a new way to serve Montana and the nation."
Last week, the Montana Free Press reported that Bodnar is expected to run for the U.S. Senate as an independent. A spokesperson for Bodnar confirmed the plan to Montana Free Press, saying that the president will wait to discuss the election until he’s ready to make a formal announcement. The spokesperson said Bodnar would resign his presidential post to run.
Bodnar notified the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Montana Board of Regents before issuing a message to campus announcing his departure.
"Service has always been the animating force of my life, and Chelsea and I would like to consider whether to pursue a new way to serve our state and our nation," Bodnar said.
Bodnar arrived at UM with his wife Chelsea and three children more than eight years ago. He described his tenure as university president as "the most meaningful professional experience of my life."
During his presidency, Bodnar focused on what he called "inclusive prosperity" - ensuring every community member has the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of background or economic status.
Under Bodnar's leadership, UM reversed a decade-long enrollment decline and achieved record-high retention and graduation rates. The university significantly expanded access for low-income, first-generation, Native American, and military-affiliated students.
Bodnar said the university has strong leadership in place and enrollment applications for the coming fall semester are very strong. He expressed confidence the university's momentum will continue.
"This university is strong, not because of any one person, building, or program, but because of the people who show up to work here each and every day, fueled by a sense of purpose and conviction," Bodnar said.
The Montana Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Higher Education addressed the announcement Wednesday saying they're preparing a succession plan.
Here is the Board's complete statement:
The Montana Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Higher Education are preparing a succession plan in the wake of University of Montana President Seth Bodnar’s announcement today that he will resign his position.
Board members expressed gratitude for Bodnar’s commitment and leadership since he was named the University’s President in 2018.
“The University of Montana has been fortunate to be so effectively served by President Bodnar,” said Board of Regents chair Todd Buchanan. “During his tenure, he has systematically lifted the campus to new levels of excellence, positively impacting the University community and the city of Missoula in innumerable ways. The Board wishes the Bodnar family well and we thank Seth for building an outstanding leadership team that is well positioned to continue expanding the University’s positive influence across the state and around the world.”
President Bodnar leaves the helm at UM on an upward trajectory, with 5 years of enrollment growth and record high first-year student retention and 4-year graduation rates. Research has surged, and transformative campus infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring student success and wellbeing are steadily progressing.
“President Bodnar’s eight years of dedicated and skillful stewardship of the University of Montana has been remarkably impactful,” said Clayton Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education. “His thoughtful approach to UM’s mission and his vision for higher education in Montana has firmly set the University on a successful path, which the Board intends to sustain without disruption through this transition. The Board is committed to ensuring that President Bodnar’s successor possesses the necessary drive, enthusiasm, and fidelity to excellence to guide the University of Montana into this new era.”
As chief executive of the Montana University System, Commissioner Christian will work with the Board to set an expeditious timeline to identify a pool of highly qualified candidates for the Board to hire a permanent replacement. Commissioner Christian with partner with campus leadership during the interim to ensure the campus seamlessly navigates the leadership change.
We will update you if we get more information.
