Bankhead refuses to bow out, keeping Montana Senate race split

Montana’s Democratic Senate nominee Alani Bankhead declined to exit the race by Monday’s deadline to clear the way for independent Seth Bodnar, a move likely to keep a crowded field and benefit Republicans. Bodnar, backed by former Sen. Tester, pressed for a smoother independent bid, but Bankhead said she’s in to win and will stay through November; polling shows Bodnar competitive with Republican Kurt Alme, but Alme leads by more than 20 points when Bankhead remains on the ballot, underscoring Democrats’ uphill path to flip the seat.