Dan Osborn Nebraska And Seth Bodnar Montana As Independent Candidates For US Senate

Four “Independents” Running For US Senate In Western States In Lieu Of Democrats!

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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.

Prospect Of Young Senate Democrats After Midterm Elections Of 2026

Ronald 51 Comments

A “Youth Movement” seems likely after the Midterm Elections of 2026, with the prospect of new and young Democrats joining the US Senate.

If things go well, we could have the following new Democratic or Independent US Senators in their late 30s, 40s, or early 50s:

Alaska–Mary Peltola
Florida–Alex Vindman
Iowa–Josh Turek
Kentucky–Charles Booker
Maine–Graham Platner
Massachusetts–Seth Moulton (if Octogenarian Ed Markey is defeated in September 1 primary)
Michigan–Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow, or Haley Stevens after August 4 primary
Minnesota–Peggy Flanagan or Angie Craig after August 11 primary
Montana–Seth Bodnar (Independent)
Nebraska–Dan Osborn (Independent)
New Hampshire–Chris Pappas
South Carolina–Annie Andrews
Texas–James Talarico

In reality, the “best” bets are in Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire, all Democratic states presently–and hopefully, Alaska, Florida, Iowa, and Texas, with possibilities in Montana and Nebraska with Independent contenders. Kentucky and South Carolina are real “long shots” at this point.

Add to this list the following Democratic US Senators who are part of the “Youth Movement”:

Arizona–Ruben Gallego
California–Alex Padilla
Connecticut–Chris Murphy
Georgia–Jon Ossoff, only sitting Democrat running for reelection this year of this “Youth Movement”
Hawaii–Brian Schatz
Michigan–Elissa Slotkin
New Jersey–Andy Kim

Roy Cooper in North Carolina and Sherrod Brown in Ohio are NOT part of the youth movement, but also have a good opportunity to put their states in the Democratic Senate column in November.

Odds Of Democratic Senate Majority Growing

Ronald 23 Comments

The odds of a Democratic Senate majority in the upcoming 120th Congress (2027-2029) are growing, based on recent estimates and judgments of political experts.

A total of four additional Democratic victors, and preservation of three contested Democratic seats, are the challenge the party faces in 2026.

At least six seats are in play that are presently Republican held seats:

Alaska–Mary Peltola
Ohio–Sherrod Brown
Maine–Graham Platner or Janet Mills
North Carolina–Roy Cooper
Texas–James Talarico
Iowa–Josh Turek or Zach Wahls

Nebraska, with an Independent, Dan Osborn, and Montana, with an Independent, Seth Bodnar, are “wild cards” as well.

And Florida, with Alexander Vindman or Angie Nixon is also perceived as a long shot.

Of course, New Hampshire with Chris Pappas; Georgia with Jon Ossoff up for reelection; and Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow and Haley Stevens, are Democratic states with major challenges to keep the seats.