Steve Daines Exits Montana Senate Race While Trump Backs Kurt Alme

Republican Senator Steve Daines announced his retirement from the Montana Senate race just before the filing deadline, becoming the sixth Republican senator to step down before the upcoming midterm elections.Donald Trump endorsed former US Attorney Kurt Alme to succeed Steve Daines after Alme entered the race alongside Democratic candidates Alani Bankhead and Michael Blackwolf.Independent Seth Bodnar launched a campaign criticizing the late withdrawal as a handpicking tactic while Representative Ryan Zinke also announced his retirement from the House for health reasons.The political transition occurs as Republicans maintain control of the Senate following significant gains during the previous election cycle.