Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar officially launched his campaign Wednesday as an independent for U.S. Senate.
Bodnar visited the Montana Capitol to file his campaign paperwork in-person with the Secretary of State.
“I’m running for the U.S. Senate because I’m frustrated. I’m frustrated by a political system that’s not serving Montanans the way it should,” Bodnar said.
Speculation about Bodnar’s political aspirations has been swirling since January. The Lee Newspapers’ State Bureau first reported on a leaked text from former Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester voicing support for Bodnar running as a third party candidate.
A week later, Bodnar resigned from his top role at UM, but did not confirm his future plans. Before working in higher education, he was an executive with General Electric.
The former Army Green Beret is challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who’s seeking a third term. Bodnar will need more than 13,000 signatures by May 26 to secure a spot on the ballot as an Independent. If he succeeds, he’ll make the contest a three-way race.
Four Democrats are competing for their party’s nomination to run for the seat in the general election.
Editor's note: While MTPR is licensed to the University of Montana, no UM officials or station management review our coverage or have any editorial input.