Montana Democratic Party chair resigns to support independent Senate candidate

Montana Democratic Party chairwoman Shannon O’Brien resigned from her post on Monday to back independent candidate Seth Bodnar in the state’s United States Senate election. The Washington Examiner and msnbc.com reported that O’Brien simultaneously stepped down and endorsed Bodnar instead of Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead. [1][3]

O’Brien made the announcement in an opinion piece published by MS Now, according to the Washington Examiner and msnbc.com. She wrote that Bankhead does not have the momentum, resources, or will to win the race. O’Brien stated that her job was to advance Democratic values and described an independent candidate as the clearest path to achieving that goal. [1][3]

The former chairwoman expressed her preference for Bodnar to challenge Republican nominee Kurt Alme in the upcoming November election, the Washington Examiner and msnbc.com reported. The Washington Examiner added that Bodnar has drawn support from multiple Montana Democrats following the resignation. [1][3]

The Montana Democratic Party is the state affiliate of the national Democratic Party. O’Brien served as chair of the state party, which also includes National Committeeman Donavon Hawk and National Committeewoman Mary Sheehy Moe. [11]