Montana Republican Senator Steve Daines abruptly withdrew from his reelection bid on Wednesday, just minutes before the official filing deadline for the 2026 Senate race.
Coming in just eleven minutes before the official filing deadline in Helena, Daines, the Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and a powerful figure in the GOP hierarchy, has left the party in an absolute state of chaos.
The two-term Republican senator confirmed Wednesday in a video statement posted on X that he will not seek a third term in the U.S. Senate.
Steve Daines:Serving the people of Montana in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate for the past 13 years has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I’m grateful to God for allowing me to serve, but after much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek reelection. Prior to public service, I spent 28 years in the private sector. While I found those years very rewarding, they didn’t compare to the fulfillment I found in public service. I’m energized, I’m encouraged, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
I’m also very thankful to have served alongside President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate. Together, we built a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. We spearheaded Republican control of the U.S. Senate. We delivered the largest tax cut in U.S. history. We unleashed American energy dominance and secured our southern border.
We also enacted the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, the most significant conservation achievement in half a century. And we forged stronger ties with critical allies around the world. I’m especially indebted to my exceptional staff, who have worked tirelessly each day to serve Montanans. Thank you for creating countless raving fans through your efforts.
And finally, I’m most grateful to my sweet wife, Cindy, of 39 years. For the past 13 years, Cindy has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C. Together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter—cherishing moments with our seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana, and continuing to make a difference.
An announcement👇pic.twitter.com/7HCofBTUMA
— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines)March 5, 2026
The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more suspicious. By waiting until the final moments to pull the plug, Daines has effectively boxed out potential MAGA challengers who might have been preparing to jump in.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
