Shannon O’Brien resigned as chair of the Montana Democratic Party on Monday and endorsed independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar. The move reflects deepening divisions within the party over its own nominee, Alani Bankhead, whom O’Brien criticized for a lack of momentum and questionable commitment to core Democratic values.
Resignation and Endorsement of Seth Bodnar
Shannon O’Brien announced her immediate resignation as chair of the Montana Democratic Party in an op-ed published Monday on MS NOW. In her statement, she cited a need to prioritize things more important than labels or party politics
and formally endorsed independent candidate Seth Bodnar for the U.S. Senate.
O’Brien, a former state senator from Missoula who previously served as the Democratic nominee for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2024 and as Democratic Whip of the Montana State Senate from 2022-2024, stated that her decision was made to support the candidate she believes has the best chance of defeating Republican Kurt Alme. She described Alme as a puppet for President Donald Trump
who would threaten reproductive rights and exacerbate government corruption. O’Brien further criticized U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, stating that President Donald Trump already has an automatic yes-man
and that the party should not send him another one.
Bodnar, a former University of Montana President, welcomed the support. Montanans of every political stripe are coming together in this race because they know what’s at stake, and they’re ready to send an independent senator to Washington who answers only to them,
Bodnar said in a statement. His campaign is staffed by members of former U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s political operation. O’Brien joined a list of prominent Democratic stalwarts in her endorsement of Bodnar, including Carol and Denise Juneau, Steve Bullock, Nancy Keenan, Jon Tester, Max Baucus, and Carol and Whitney Williams.
Criticism of Alani Bankhead
O’Brien’s departure centered on her dissatisfaction with the party’s nominee, Alani Bankhead. She further argued that Bankhead does not have the momentum, resources or will to win this race.
O’Brien noted that Bankhead is almost brand new to Montana
and has consistently refused advice from experienced political leaders in the state.
Bankhead rejected these claims, asserting that O’Brien’s opposition had been ongoing for months. In a statement provided to local media, Bankhead said, Shannon didn’t switch sides today. She’s been working against the Democratic nominee since the summer.
Bankhead emphasized that she remains committed to her campaign, stating, Montana Democrats chose their nominee, and Montanans are voting right now.
Leadership Transition at the Montana Democratic Party
Following O’Brien’s resignation, the Montana Democratic Party confirmed that Vice Chair Bruce Knutson has assumed the role of party chair, effective immediately. The party released a brief statement noting that its work continues with focus and determination,
though it did not directly address the internal conflict surrounding the Senate race. O’Brien had been elected party chair in September 2025, defeating Mike Jopek, a Whitefish farmer.
The internal strain has been visible for some time, with party leaders expressing frustration throughout the summer. According to polling from the Montana Free Press and Eagleton from last month, Kurt Alme leads the field at 38%, followed by Bodnar at 30%, with Bankhead trailing in third place at 16%.
Policy and Campaign Concerns
Changes to Medicaid are expected to result in 30,000 Montanans being removed from those benefits. Bodnar has argued that this needs to be reversed, noting that when a rural hospital closes, a community loses a key job driver and a vital medical hub. O’Brien’s decision to leave her post highlights the tension between party loyalty and the strategic desire of some leaders to consolidate support behind an independent candidate to prevent an Alme victory.