Montana GOP aims to exclude 3rd parties from crucial Senate race.

Montana Republicans are seeking to change the 2024 Senate primary so that only the top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the November election, effectively blocking third-party candidates. Democrats and Libertarians have criticized the proposal as an attempt to rig the election. Republicans blame third-party candidates for draining away potential GOP votes and giving the Democrat the victory in past races for incumbent Jon Tester's seat. The race is pivotal for control of the Senate, with Democrats holding a narrow 51-49 majority. Tester is considered highly vulnerable in 2024, but he has proven a formidable campaigner and prodigious fundraiser.