‘Grateful to God’: Montana Senator Steps Aside After 13 Years in Congress

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., made the following statement Wednesday announcing he will not seek reelection in 2026. Daines and President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.

Serving the people of Montana in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate the past 13 years has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I’m grateful to God for allowing me to serve. But after much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek reelection.

Prior to public service, I spent 28 years in the private sector. While I found those years very rewarding, they didn’t compare to the fulfillment I found in public service.

I’m energized, I’m encouraged, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.

I’m also very thankful to have served alongside President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate.

Together, we built a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. We spearheaded Republican control of the U.S. Senate. We delivered the largest tax cut in U.S. history. We unleashed American energy dominance and secured our southern border. We also enacted the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, the most significant conservation achievement in half a century. And we forge stronger ties with critical allies around the world.

I’m especially indebted to my exceptional staff, who have worked tirelessly each day to serve Montanans.

Thank you for creating countless raving fans through your efforts. And finally, I’m most grateful to my sweet wife, Cindy, of 39 years. For the past 13 years, Cindy has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C.

And together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana, and continuing to make a difference.

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