Montana Senate

No change since last week

Seth Bodnar is running in this race as an independent. Solid Purple's model forecasts two-way contests, so the numbers above reflect only the Democratic and Republican candidates and do not account for a third candidate. We know this is a limitation of the model. If Bodnar emerges as the leading challenger, or this becomes a competitive three-way, we will update the forecast.

How We Got This
Partisan Lean
how the seat votes compared with the nation
R +17.7
Fundamentals
candidates, fundraising, experts
R +2.9
National Environment
current political climate
D +3.2
Polls
recent state and district polling
R +0.7
Forecasted margin
R +18.1

What Changes the Forecast

The model has heard from everyone. Unless something changes, this is our best guess.

Polls

Polls (7)

Race polls
PollsterDateMarginNSample
Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion StrategiesAug 4, 2026R +14800lv
Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion StrategiesAug 4, 2026R +30800lv
GQRJul 26, 2026R +8500lv
The Bullfinch GroupJul 16, 2026R +14793lv
Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion StrategiesJun 24, 2026R +6800lv
Forecast Over Time
Forecast Over Time
Dem (blue) and GOP (red) win probability over time.
Dem 1%
GOP 99%
Race Details
Expert ratings
Cook Solid R Inside Elections Solid R Sabato Safe R
State lean
R+20 This state leans strongly Republican.
Candidates

Democrat Alani Bankhead

Republican Kurt Alme