Democrats’ Sneaky New Playbook in Montana: Fake Independents and Dark Money Primaries
How the left is trying to trick Montana voters in 2026
Montana used to be known as a fiercely independent state — where candidates won on ideas, not massive outside cash. Those days are fading fast.
According to a recent New York Post opinion piece, Democrats are deploying a coordinated national strategy: running candidates as “independents” to hide their true ideology, while pressuring actual Democratic candidates to drop out and endorse them. The goal is simple — trick conservative and independent voters into electing Democrats without the unpopular party label.
Right here in Montana, we’re seeing this playbook in action.
Seth Bodnar, the former University of Montana president running for U.S. Senate as an “independent,” is the perfect example. He’s receiving heavy support from former Democratic Senator Jon Tester’s network and big national Democratic operatives. This is not a true independent — it’s a rebranded Democrat designed to appeal to Montanans who are tired of the national Democratic Party.
But that’s only half the trick.
While Democrats run stealth independents in the general election, they’re also pouring money into Republican primaries to elect the least conservative candidates possible. Through dark money groups like Conservatives4MT, Western Futures Fund, and Way Back PAC, out-of-state liberal donors (including ties to the Soros-linked Sixteen Thirty Fund) are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to boost moderate and RINO candidates — many of whom are also tied to the progressive Fireweed consulting firm.
This is the full swamp strategy now operating in Montana:
- Run fake “independents” in the general election.
- Use dark money to weaken the Republican Party from the inside during primaries.
- Flood the state with out-of-state cash to override local voices.
Montana is no longer the politically independent state it once was. We are being targeted and infiltrated by national left-wing money and political operatives who believe we are ripe for the taking.
The only defense is vigilance.
This June 2nd, Republican primary voters must see through the tricks. Reject candidates who are being propped up by out-of-state dark money and progressive consultants. Support proven conservatives who will actually fight for Montana values.
Vote for the True Republicans:
Caleb Hinkle (SD 34), Jed Hinkle (HD 67), Randy Chamberlin (HD 68), and Trevor Walter (HD 69)
Read the full New York Post article here:
Beware Democrats’ sneaky ‘independent-in-name-only’ midterm gambit
Vote Republican on June 2 — and keep Montana red.
