Just dropped · Trial Balloon · Ep. 192
November Surprises
“On the final day of filing for Montana’s 2026 elections, former University of Montana president Seth Bodnar confirmed he is jumping into the race for U.S. Senate as an independent candidate,” KXLH reports.
Playbook: “The former University of Montana president, Green Beret and Rhodes scholar epitomizes a new approach — one apparently encouraged by former Sen. Jon Tester — for challenging Republicans in states where the Democratic brand has become toxic.”
Limited-time offer
Members get Talking Points analysis, Trending News, the Polling Dashboard, the Trial Balloon podcast, new site features and no ads. Start your free trial
Political Wire is reader-supported. Join for ad-free reading, member posts and new features →
Taegan Goddard
Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.
More about Taegan Goddard →
?Political Trivia
Eight moments in political history. Put them on a timeline.
Play →
Five senators. Three bills. Can you guess how they all voted?
Play →
Nine Justices. One case. How did they rule?
Play →
Do you have your finger on the pulse of America?
Play →
Four questions a day.
Play →
A new game every day.