Montana Senate hopefuls spar over affordability, tariffs and Iran war in first debate
Four Senate candidates debated in Bozeman, tackling cost of living, trade, immigration and the Iran conflict ahead of the Nov 3 election.
On Sunday in Bozeman, the four contenders for Montana’s U.S. Senate seat—Republican Kurt Alme, Democrat Alani Bankhead, independent Seth Bodnar and Libertarian Kyle Austin—participated in a 90-minute televised debate hosted by the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Moderators from MTN News, Montana Radio Company, one outlet Montana and NonStop Local guided questions on affordability, tariffs, immigration and the war in Iran.
Alme, the Republican frontrunner, faced the bulk of attacks for supporting party stances on tariffs, immigration and the Iran conflict, while Bankhead and Austin questioned Bodnar’s claim of independence. Issues such as renewing ACA subsidies, AI data-center regulation and committee assignments also surfaced. The candidates will reconvene for another forum in Billings on Oct 18 before the Nov 3 general election.
Why it matters
Voters can compare the Senate candidates' policies on key issues before the November ballot.
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