Democratic operatives allegedly pressure Bankhead family to exit Montana Senate contest

Democratic insiders are reported to be urging Alani Bankhead to withdraw from the Montana Senate race so independent Seth Bodnar can take her place before the Aug. 10 filing deadline.

According to multiple reports, Democratic operatives are applying pressure on Alani Bankhead’s relatives to persuade her to abandon her Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Montana. The goal is to allow independent Seth Bodnar, supported by former Democratic senator Jon Tester, to become the sole non-Republican challenger before the Aug. 10 filing deadline. Bodnar’s campaign has struggled to gain momentum despite spending from his team and an allied super PAC, while he has raised more money than Bankhead and Republican Kurt Alme combined.

Leaked paperwork from a dark-money organization allegedly details a harassment campaign aimed at Bankhead’s father, mother, brother, stepdaughter and friends. The documents also advise Democrats to downplay a past sexual-discrimination lawsuit against the University of Montana involving Bodnar. Party leaders worry that keeping Bankhead in the race could split the anti-Republican vote and hand the seat to Alme.