FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2026

MCV endorses Independent candidate Seth Bodnar for US Senate

(HELENA, Mont.) — Today, Montana Conservation Voters (MCV) proudly announces its endorsement of Seth Bodnar for U.S. Senate.

This endorsement emphasizes that Bodnar is running for U.S. Senate to offer Montana an independent alternative to national partisan divisions. As a Green Beret veteran and former University of Montana president, Bodnar’s commitment to public service is guided by his oath to serve the country.

“Seth Bodnar is the conservation champion we need,” said MCV Action Fund Board Chair Jill Lombardi. “While Washington politicians let partisan gridlock threaten our environment and rural communities, Seth’s commitment to service means he will always fight to protect Montana. His background as a businessman and veteran gives him the pragmatic, independent perspective needed to defend Montana’s conservation heritage.”

As pressure from development and privatization threaten Montana’s public lands and resources, this U.S. Senate seat represents a critical line of defense for federal conservation efforts. Bodnar recognizes that Montana’s rural economic success and outdoor identity are deeply intertwined with the environment. Running outside the two-party system, Bodnar is uniquely positioned to deliver the independent oversight needed to protect Montana now and for future generations.

“I’m proud to earn the endorsement of Montana Conservation Voters. As Montana’s Independent voice in the U.S. Senate, I will always defend our public lands and our outdoor way of life. Montana’s public lands, clean air, and clean water are a birthright that belongs to all of us,” Bodnar said. “Too often, our broken political system has allowed outside interests and Washington insiders to override the voices of Montanans in decisions about our own communities. As an Independent, I answer only to Montana, and I will always stand behind the science and fight any effort to weaken the protections that keep our communities healthy and our wild places intact.

Bodnar’s commitment to independent leadership directly aligns with MCV’s mission to hold officials accountable to the needs of local communities and protect Montana’s natural resources and landscapes. He brings a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to leadership that transcends partisan gridlock, offering a refreshing alternative to the political division rampant today.

“Seth and I were both Second Lieutenants in the 101st Airborne Division right after September 11,” MCV Executive Director Ben Super noted. “I know exactly what he means when he talks about taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, not a political party. Having worked with Seth at the University of Montana to advance conservation research and education, I know where he stands and what he’s capable of. Seth Bodnar will be a great U.S. Senator.”

Montana Conservation Voters works to protect Montana’s natural resources and outdoor way of life while defending the democratic values that allow communities to shape their future. Final endorsement decisions are made by the board of the MCV Action Fund Political Action Committee.