President Donald Trump on Wednesday endorsed former federal prosecutor Kurt Alme to run for the U.S. Senate seat in Montana following Sen. Steve Daines’s announcement that he will not seek reelection this November.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Alme’s background in law enforcement and public service, calling him a strong candidate to represent the state in Washington. Trump highlighted Alme’s experience as a federal prosecutor and noted his education at Harvard Law School, describing him as someone who understands the importance of maintaining law and order.
According to Trump, Alme would support law enforcement officers, the military, and veterans while working to strengthen the nation’s economy. The president said that, if elected, Alme would prioritize economic growth, tax and regulatory cuts, and support for Montana’s agricultural community. Trump also said Alme would advocate for expanding American energy production, securing the southern border, combating migrant-related crime, and defending Second Amendment rights.
Trump also commended Sen. Steve Daines for his service, saying the Montana Republican had performed a job “few others are capable of doing.” He added that Daines had chosen to “pass the torch” to Alme, whom Trump described as his former U.S. attorney during both the Trump 45 and Trump 47 administrations. Trump further noted that Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and Sen. Tim Sheehy have also expressed support for Alme’s candidacy.
The endorsement came nearly an hour after Montana’s filing deadline for Senate candidates had already closed. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Daines previously recommended Alme to Trump for the position of U.S. attorney in Montana.
Alme was unanimously confirmed to that role in September 2017 and served until December 2020. After leaving the Justice Department, he joined the administration of Gov. Greg Gianforte as Montana’s state budget director. More recently, Alme worked as executive vice president at the National Christian Foundation.
In a statement to the Daily Montanan, Alme said the country has made meaningful progress under Trump’s policies, particularly in areas such as public safety and support for law enforcement. He said Washington needs leaders who will firmly defend their principles and values.
“We need proven doers in Washington who will stand up for our values without apology,” Alme said. “I’m running for Senate to be a relentless advocate for Montana and to help President Trump put America First.”
Earlier Wednesday, Daines announced his decision not to run for another term in a video shared on social media. The senator said he reached the decision after “much careful thought.”
Before entering politics, Daines spent 28 years working in the private sector. He said his time in business was rewarding but that public service ultimately proved more fulfilling. While stepping away from elected office, he indicated that he remains optimistic about what lies ahead.
“I’m energized, I’m encouraged and I’m ready for whatever comes next,” Daines said.
Daines is one of several Republican lawmakers choosing not to pursue reelection during this year’s midterm election cycle.
His announcement came just one day after Rep. Ryan Zinke, a fellow Montana Republican, revealed he will also retire from Congress. Zinke, a former Navy SEAL and Interior Secretary under Trump, cited ongoing health concerns as the main reason for his decision.
In a statement released Tuesday, Zinke said he has quietly undergone several surgeries since January 2023 that have limited his ability to participate in House votes. He said additional procedures are expected in the future.
Zinke said stepping aside would ensure Montana residents continue to have full representation in Congress without the risk of prolonged absences. Trump has endorsed Montana radio host Aaron Flint to replace him.
Meanwhile, in Washington, Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Iran. The measure, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, would have required congressional approval for continued military action.
After several days of speculation about whether some Republicans might join Democrats in supporting the measure, the Senate ultimately rejected it. Administration officials had spent days briefing lawmakers and lobbying for support of the military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.
Only Republican Sen. Rand Paul voted in favor of the resolution, while Democratic Sen. Jon Fetterman was the lone Democrat to vote against it.
