Top Trump ally Steve Daines exits Montana Senate race, plans to retire

By Fox News · Fox News

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, will not seek reelection, opting to leave the Senate just minutes before Wednesday’s filing deadline in the Treasure State, three sources confirmed to Fox News Digital. Montana’s senior senator is serving his second term and was widely expected to secure a third in Big Sky Country, where President Donald Trump won by nearly 20 points in 2024. He previously served two terms in the House before making the leap to the upper chamber. Daines played a key role during that election cycle as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, helping Republicans regain a majority in the upper chamber. He also backed Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, in a grueling race against former Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, helping the GOP secure unified control of Washington. TRUMP CABINET ALUM RYAN ZINKE JOINS MASS EXODUS OF LAWMAKERS LEAVING CONGRESS The lawmaker said in a video statement that after "much careful thought, I've decided not to seek reelection." He thanked his wife, Cindy, and noted that for the last 13 years, she "has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C." "And together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana and continuing to make a difference," he said. With Daines set to leave the Senate, Republicans will now look to hold the seat. Montana’s primary election is scheduled for June 2. REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS' EARLY RETIREMENT RUMORS SEND SHOCKWAVES THROUGH HOUSE GOP Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed just minutes before Daines withdrew from the race, according to the Montana Secretary of State. Earlier Wednesday, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar entered the race as an independent. Trump wasted no time lauding Daines and swiftly backing Alme in a post on Truth Social. "Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators," Trump said. "He honorably serve…