Forward Montana announced its endorsement of Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar and Congressional District 1 Democratic candidate Sam Forstag this week. The decision followed an extensive review process that included candidate interviews, an analysis of fundraising and polling, and conversations with young voters across the state.
As Montana’s leading statewide youth civic engagement organization, Forward Montana interviewed both Democratic candidate Alani Bankhead and independent candidate Seth Bodnar, asking questions about policy, leadership, and how each would represent the next generation of Montanans in Washington.
The organization concluded that Bodnar offered the strongest opportunity to build a broad coalition capable of competing statewide.
“Seth Bodnar earned our endorsement because we believe he can best represent the next generation of Montanans and help create a future where young people believe their voices – and their votes – still matter,” said Alice Boyer, Forward Montana Executive Director. “We reach out to tens of thousands of young Montana voters every year. Time and time again, we hear from young Montanans that they have been let down by our elected leaders who have prioritized enriching themselves or party politics over real solutions. It’s clear to us that Bodnar sees what young Montanans are facing, and he is dedicated to making the Montana way of life an affordable reality again. We’re proud to join the growing coalition coalescing around his candidacy for Montana’s open U.S. Senate seat.”
In contrast, members of the Forward Montana Board of Directors were struck by a statement from Bankhead on her podcast, The (Humble) Warrior Podcast where she said, “If you live in America, you are in the richest country in the world. You can literally create anything you want. You can make as much or as little money as you want. So if you’re poor right now, it’s because you decided you wanted to be poor.” She has also recently said on the campaign trail that she is not emotionally invested in the outcome of this race.
To their members and the mission of the organization, these sentiments were a poison pill.
As part of the endorsement processes, Forward Montana evaluated the broader political landscape, reviewed publicly available independent polling, assessed campaign fundraising, and considered which candidate had the strongest path to mounting a competitive general election campaign.
Forward Montana also pointed to Bodnar’s record during his tenure as president of the University of Montana, highlighting initiatives aimed at expanding opportunity, supporting women in leadership, and addressing longstanding equity challenges within higher education. The organization acknowledged that institutions like the University of Montana need to continue to face difficult conversations about inequality but said it viewed Bodnar’s leadership as an effort to move those conversations forward rather than avoid them.
The Board also conducted interviews with CD-1 candidates early this year and was greatly impressed and excited by Forstag. His long history of working for better policy within Montana, dedication to listening to and working with impacted communities, and understanding of the work it takes to move real change stood out to the organization as reasons to support his candidacy.
“Sam Forstag understands that the future of Montana depends on whether young people feel they have a voice in their communities and a fair opportunity to succeed,” Alice Boyer, Executive Director, said. “His commitment to protecting democratic participation, safeguarding individual freedoms, and tackling the challenges of housing affordability and economic opportunity reflects the priorities that young people care deeply about. We are proud to endorse his campaign for Congress.”
Forstag has the momentum and excitement behind him to deeply engage young people who are tired of the status quo and are ready to demand a brighter future for young Montanans across the western district.
ABOUT FORWARD MONTANA
We empower young people to speak up and take action to create a Montana where everyone can thrive.
Our Mission: We’re building political power with and for young Montanans. That means empowering everyday folks to get involved and make their voices heard — from registering to vote to running for office, and everything in between. Young people in Montana have big dreams for a better, more sustainable and inclusive future — and we deserve opportunities to make it happen. That’s what Forward Montana is all about.