BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar is launching an independent campaign to challenge Republican Sen. Steve Daines in November, after Democrats in the state lost elections in recent years. Details of Wednesday’s announcement were obtained in advance by The Associated Press. Bodnar’s decision to run without party backing underscores the diminished status of Montana Democrats, who control no statewide offices following the 2024 defeat of three-term incumbent