A leading Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Montana announced Monday morning she is withdrawing her candidacy to support Gov. Steve Bullock, who announced he is entering the race against Republican Steve Daines.
Meanwhile, Daines' campaign issued a statement following Bullock's announcement.
“We’re going to win this race because Steve Daines is always on Montana’s side fighting for more high-paying jobs, against big government and defending Montanans’ way of life," campaign manager Shane Scanlon said in a press release.
"From protecting our pocketbooks, veterans, public lands and Second Amendment Rights, Daines always puts Montana first and Montanans know they can always trust him to continue doing so when he’s re-elected in November."
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Cora Neumann of Bozeman issued a press release shortly after 8 a.m. announcing she was withdrawing from the race to support Bullock's campaign.
“It has been a great honor to run for Senate over the past five months, meeting with people from Wibaux to Wisdom and earning their support thanks to our shared values of hard work, resilience and fiercely protecting what matters, like family, healthcare and our public lands. Together, we’ve been building a powerful, well-funded campaign," she said in the release.
“Despite that success, I know that what matters most is that we come together in the effort to beat Senator Steve Daines. That is why I am withdrawing from the Senate race and throwing my support behind Governor Steve Bullock. I believe he offers us the best chance to defeat Daines and flip the Senate.”
“My supporters should know that I’m here to stay. Increasing access to affordable health care, protecting our public lands and beating Steve Daines are all deeply personal. I will remain in this fight and look forward to working directly with Montanans on behalf of Steve Bullock.”
Other Democrats who've filed are political newcomers are mostly unknown to voters -- Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins, Loma rancher, and engineer John Mues, and health-policy expert Cora Neumann of Bozeman.
Bullock, who is in his second term as Montana governor is term-limited out and cannot run for governor again.
