President Trump on Wednesday endorsed former federal prosecutor Kurt Alme to replace Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), who announced the same day that he will not seek reelection in November.
“A Highly Respected Criminal Prosecutor in my Administration, and distinguished Harvard Law School Graduate, Kurt knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to ensure LAW AND ORDER, advocate for our Heroes in Law Enforcement, and strongly support our Military and Veterans,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“As your next Senator, Kurt will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion our Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” the president added. “Kurt Alme is an exceptional person, and will do a fantastic job as your next United States Senator from the Great State of Montana — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
Trump pointed out that Daines “did a job like few others are capable of doing” and chose to “‘pass the torch’ to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.” He added that Alme is “exceptional” and that Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) and Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) have also lined up to support him.
Trump made his endorsement almost an hour after the deadline to file for candidacy in Montana had closed. According to the U.S. attorney’s office, Daines recommended Alme for the role of U.S. attorney in Montana to Trump.
Alme was unanimously confirmed in September 2017 and served until December 2020. Following that, he worked as Gianforte’s state budget director and recently held the position of executive vice president at the National Christian Foundation.
“We have made real progress under President Trump’s policies — prioritizing public safety, supporting law enforcement, and delivering results for Montanans,” Alme said in a statement to the Daily Montanan. “We need proven doers in Washington who will stand up for our values without apology. I’m running for Senate to be a relentless advocate for Montana and to help President Trump put America First.”
Daines announced in a video shared to social media that he decided not to run again “after much careful thought.”
“Prior to public service, I spent 28 years in the private sector,” he said. “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.”
The Montana Republican joins several lawmakers choosing to forgo reelection bids in this year’s midterms.
Daines announced that he will not seek re-election, coming just one day after Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) revealed his retirement from Congress. Zinke, a former Navy SEAL, has undergone several surgeries “quietly” since January 2023, which have prevented him from participating in House votes. He mentioned in a Tuesday statement that he is facing more surgeries in the future.
Zinke decided to step down to ensure “full-time representation in Congress” and to avoid the risk of “uncertain absences and missed votes.” Along with former Trump, Zinke has endorsed Montana radio host Aaron Flint as his successor.
Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Iran. The resolution, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D Va., aimed to require congressional approval for continued military action.
The Senate rejected the measure after days of speculation about whether Republicans would join Democrats in rebuking the president, Fox News reported. The vote followed a lobbying push by the Trump administration to rally support for Operation Epic Fury.
Administration officials held multiple briefings with lawmakers to explain the military campaign. Only Sen. Rand Paul, R Ky., voted in favor of the resolution among Republicans. Sen. Jon Fetterman, D Pa., was the only Democrat who voted against the measure.