It has become clear to the Democratic Party in a number of Western states, that are primarily rural in nature, that their party has little to no chance to gain Senate seats.
So instead, Democrats are working with “Independents” in four states in an attempt to take away Republican Senate seats, and the hope is that it might succeed in some cases.
Such situations include:
Nebraska–Dan Osborn running against Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, who was Governor of Nebraska before replacing Senator Ben Sasse, when he resigned in 2023. He ran a close race against Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer in 2024, coming within seven points of Fischer, an astounding result for an Independent.
Montana–Seth Bodnar running against Republican Senate nominee Kurt Alme, formerly US Attorney for the District of Montana, running for the Senate after the sudden decision of Republican Senator Steve Daines to retire, rather than run for reelection after two Senate terms.
Idaho–Todd Achilles running against Republican Senator Jim Risch, who was briefly Governor of Idaho, has been in the Senate for three terms, and is 83 years old, but is also Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman.
South Dakota–Brian Bengs running against Republican Senator Mike Rounds, who has been in the Senate for two terms, and was formerly Governor of South Dakota.
Only in Montana has the Democratic nominee refused to back out—Alani Bankhead–even though former Democratic Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus promoted her withdrawing.