Bankhead says family targeted, including underage daughter, as U.S. Senate withdrawal deadline approaches

MISSOULA, Mont. - Montana U.S. Senate candidate Alani Bankhead says her family, including her underage daughter, has been included in a “target list for harassment” in an attempt to get the Democrat to drop out of the race. The mounting pressure comes as the deadline rapidly approaches to have candidates' names removed from the general election ballot should they bow out.

Bankhead took to social media Sunday night to address the situation, writing: “While I have been as transparent as possible during this cycle, my family and I must take additional security precautions in light of escalating harassment and death threats.”

The U.S. Senate race in Montana has seen escalating pressure in the past week between Bankhead and Independent Seth Bodnar, with supporters of both trading barbs on social media. A media blitz was also launched by Montana Freedom PAC, a pro-Bodnar committee, running attack ads calling on Bankhead to withdraw. Yard signs saying “BOW OUT BANK HEAD. STAND UP FOR MONTANA, STEP BACK” also popped up in several major Montana cities.

Bodnar issued a statement on Monday, condemning any targeting of any candidate's family.

 "Whatever anyone thinks about this US Senate race, the underhanded, dark money-fueled tactics we’re seeing are exactly what Montanans are sick of," Bodnar wrote in a press statement. "I learned of rumors this weekend that some groups have encouraged people to contact candidates’ family members about this race. If true, that is absolutely unacceptable. I abhor this type of behavior, and it needs to stop immediately. If this was done by an organization supporting me, let me be very clear: stop this immediately."

Both Bankhead and Bodnar have continued to campaign despite the pressure, with neither indicating they would potentially withdraw.

Bankhead held a press conference in East Helena on Monday to reiterate that she was remaining in the race, and never had any intention of dropping out.

"There has been a lot of noise about this race, so let me cut through it plain and simple. I am in this race to win it and I am staying through November 3rd," said Bankhead while flanked by supporters.

Bankhead further blasted "dark money" from political action committees, PACs, being spent on the race and encouraged people to focus on candidates and what they stand for.

"The voters have already spoken. Let's respect that and let Montana decide its own future," she stated. 

This year’s deadline to have a candidate’s name removed from the Montana General Election Ballot is 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2026. If a candidate withdraws after that deadline, their name would still appear on the ballot. With the deadline passed, the candidates that will appear on the ballot are: Kurt Alme - Republican, Kyle Austin - Libertarian, Alani Bankhead - Democrat, Seth Bodnar - Independent.  

Supporters of Bodnar and Bankhead are concerned that if neither drops out, they’ll split the group of voters who vote against Alme. Some polling has indicated a closer race between Alme and Bodnar should Bankhead withdraw. Prediction markets are currently strongly favoring Alme if the political landscape doesn’t change. Republicans narrowly hold the U.S. Senate right now. Prediction markets are still favoring them to maintain control after the midterm election, though the odds have been narrowing.

Three other states this election cycle have seen the Democratic Party candidate withdraw, with their parties backing candidates who are running as independents – Idaho, South Dakota and Nebraska.  South Dakota Democratic candidate Julian Beaudion also noted that his family had also been targets in a pressure campaign to get him to withdraw.

In each case, the independent had significant backing from historically Democratic operatives and the Democratic Party. Montana is in a similar situation, with Bodnar launching his campaign with the support of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Twenty-two Democratic members of the Montana Legislature also signed on to a letter last week backing Bodnar over Bankhead.

Bankhead received significant financial support in the primary, with more than $2.5 million spent by Progressive Vet PAC to support her primary election bid. However, that spending all dried up the day following the primary race. 

As of the most recent FEC campaign funds report, ending in June, Bodnar is currently leading in the fundraising department with more than $3.2 million raised, followed by Alme with more than $1.9 million raised, and Bankhead was sitting at around $60,000 raised.

The amount of money raised does not guarantee a win, though. Tester, the last statewide elected Democrat in Montana, outraised his opponent in 2024. He lost that race to Republican Tim Sheehy by seven points.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with more information from Bankhead's press conference and the final list of candidates that will appear on the 2026 Montana General Election ballot for U.S. Senate.