Montana U.S. Senate candidates hold first debate

Four candidates for the U.S. Senate in Montana participated in their first debate in Bozeman, hosted by the Montana Broadcaster Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. The candidates included Republican Kurt Alme, Democrat Alani Bankhead, Independent Seth Bodnar, and Libertarian Kyle Austin.

The debate covered a wide range of issues, including rising healthcare costs, inflation, Social Security funding, artificial intelligence, and international relations. A significant portion of the discussion focused on Montana’s housing crisis.

While all candidates acknowledged the severity of the housing shortage, they proposed different solutions. Seth Bodnar advocated for federal incentives and zoning reform to expand supply. Kurt Alme emphasized reducing federal spending, cutting regulations, and lowering taxes to assist families with rent and mortgage costs. Alani Bankhead suggested increased involvement from construction companies in the regulatory and lawmaking processes.