Montana Senate showdown emerges as Trump-backed Republican faces independent challenge

The race to replace a political titan from the Treasure State has taken shape with three challengers who will square off in November. 

Alme has a home field advantage given the groundwork Daines laid throughout his political career, turning Montana from a purple to a ruby red bastion for the GOP.  

And he's leaning into Trump's backing, along with the endorsements of Daines and Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., to make his case to voters.

"We think that the Republican platform - and certainly President Trump's approach to governing - is a winner in Montana," Alme told Fox News Digital in March. "And we think that if we stick to our conservative roots, we're going to perform well against anyone."

His opponents, however, have both been critical of the circumstances that led to his entering the race. 

Bodnar charged in a statement after collecting the needed signatures to make it on the ballot that "D.C. insiders tried to rig this election in March by installing a handpicked candidate who will do their bidding." 

Given the GOP's grip on the state, which Trump has won by double digits in each election he's run, Bodnar and Neill both face an uphill battle.