‘Disappear the Democrat’ Backfires in Montana

The Democratic Party’s “disappear-the-Democrat” strategy has been touted as a solution to its national brand woes in traditionally Republican states, but it is backfiring spectacularly in Montana. At the heart of the issue is Alani Bankhead, the Democratic nominee for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat.

Despite her claims that she won’t drop out of the race, it appears that the party is planning to push her aside and replace her with independent candidate Seth Bodnar. This would effectively clear the way for Bodnar, a former university administrator and Army Green Beret who has been running on a moderate Democratic platform.

The strategy is misguided because it reflects poorly on the party’s communication with its rank-and-file members. Montana Democrats are a populist bunch who have watched their state vote for Donald Trump by double digits three times in a row. They won’t be swayed by Bodnar’s “both parties are to blame” message, especially when they see it as an attempt to dilute the party brand.

The Democratic National Committee’s involvement in this affair only deepens suspicions of a larger conspiracy. Jacquelyn Lopez, general counsel for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, was at the meeting where party officials discussed leaving Bankhead off the ballot. According to multiple sources, she assured them that the DNC would fund any inevitable lawsuits that might result from such a move.

This raises fundamental questions about the role of national Democrats in state-level elections. If they’re so eager to replace Bankhead with Bodnar, shouldn’t they be focusing on building support for their own candidate rather than trying to manipulate the electoral process?

The “disappear-the-Democrat” strategy has had some success elsewhere – most notably in Nebraska and Idaho. However, Montana is a different story altogether. The state’s voters have consistently shown significant support for Bankhead, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and first-time candidate.

Recent polling suggests that Bodnar and Bankhead are roughly splitting the non-Republican vote, making it increasingly likely that the Republican candidate will take the seat. This would be a devastating blow to Democratic hopes of retaking the Senate in 2026.

The implications of this strategy go beyond Montana’s borders. If national Democrats can so callously manipulate state-level elections to suit their own interests, what does this say about their commitment to grassroots democracy? Are they willing to sacrifice local candidates and voters on the altar of party politics?

In the end, it seems that the Democratic Party’s electoral strategy has been a recipe for disaster in Montana. By pushing Alani Bankhead aside and replacing her with an independent candidate, they’re not only undermining their own candidate but also eroding trust among local voters.

As Nancy Keenan, a former Montana Democratic Party executive director, put it: “It’s pretty wild out here.” But the party would do well to listen to her words of caution. The consequences of this strategy will be felt for years to come – and not just in Montana.