Montana Sen. Daines Withdraws from Race

Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana abruptly ended his campaign for a third term on Wednesday, withdrawing his name minutes before the deadline to file for the November general election with the Montana secretary of state's office. The decision opened the Republican primary to new contenders, including Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, who filed shortly before the cutoff. The developments coincided with the launch of an independent bid for the seat by former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar.

A spokesperson for Daines confirmed the withdrawal and indicated that a formal statement would follow. Daines, 63, a former business executive and close ally of former President Donald Trump, had raised more than $8 million since his 2020 reelection and held about $5 million in cash on hand as of late December, according to Federal Election Commission filings. His departure from the race leaves Republicans seeking to maintain their slim Senate majority of 53 seats against Democrats' 45 plus two independents.

Alme, also a Republican, stepped in as a late entrant, positioning himself as a candidate in the primary. Details on his motivations were not immediately available,...