By Courtney Kibblewhite, Northern Broadcasting
Seth Bodnar, an independent candidate for U.S. Senate, said Montana families are being failed by partisan politics and believes the state needs an independent voice in Washington focused solely on representing Montanans.
Bodnar joined guest host Courtney Kibblewhite on Thursday’s edition of “Voices of Montana” to discuss his campaign for Montana’s U.S. Senate seat, his decision to leave the University of Montana and why he chose to run as an independent candidate.
Leaving the University of Montana
Bodnar, former president of the University of Montana, said leaving higher education was a difficult decision after years focused on improving enrollment, graduation rates and research output across the university system.
“We took a university that was in significant enrollment decline and had five straight years of enrollment growth,” Bodnar said during the interview.
Bodnar said he and his wife ultimately decided to enter politics out of concern for the future of the country and the challenges facing the next generation.
“I think we’re on a path to hand over a country to our kids that is less prosperous, less secure, more divided and more in debt,” he said.
Why Run as an Independent?
Bodnar said his military service shaped his decision to run outside the traditional party system.
“At the age of 18, I raised my right hand and swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States, not to a political party,” he said.
The former Green Beret said toxic partisanship in Washington is preventing lawmakers from addressing key issues facing Montana families, including rising fuel costs, housing affordability, health care expenses and the national debt.
“We have elected leaders spending so much time fighting about winning the next election that they’re losing the next generation,” Bodnar said.
Bodnar acknowledged the challenges independent candidates face, particularly in fundraising and political infrastructure, but said Montana voters are frustrated with both major parties.
“The largest voting bloc in Montana, by some surveys, is independents,” he said. “Most of us live politically somewhere between the 30-yard lines.”
Agriculture, Economy and the Farm Bill
Throughout the interview, Bodnar repeatedly pointed to concerns within Montana agriculture and rural communities.
He said farmers and ranchers continue to face major economic pressures, including rising fertilizer prices, higher fuel costs and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the delayed federal farm bill.
“The last farm bill was passed in 2018,” Bodnar said. “Why can’t we pass a farm bill? It’s crazy to me.”
Bodnar also cited concerns from Montana bankers and agricultural leaders about increasing farm financial stress.
“Farm bankruptcies are up 46% compared to the year before,” he said. “The ag community today is in crisis.”
Foreign Policy and Military Experience
As a former Army officer and Green Beret, Bodnar also addressed ongoing international conflicts, including tensions involving Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Bodnar said Congress must play a stronger constitutional role in decisions involving military action.
“It is the role of Congress to declare war,” he said. “We need Congress to step up and do its job.”
On Ukraine, Bodnar said the United States should continue supporting the country against Russian aggression.
“We need to stand with people who are defending freedom,” he said.
Ballot Access and Signature Collection
To qualify for Montana’s Senate ballot as an independent candidate, Bodnar must collect 13,327 valid signatures from registered voters across the state.
Bodnar said his campaign is currently gathering signatures and expects to exceed the required threshold before the filing deadline later this month.
“It’s been a really meaningful process,” he said. “The people should have the say of who gets on the ballot, not party insiders.”
More information about Bodnar’s campaign and signature events can be found on his campaign website.
