2026 United States Senate election in Montana

Bankhead dismisses Tester's criticism, saying her primary win entitles her to party support.

“I won 48,000 votes. And if they want to support democracy, then they can support the Democratic candidate”

This American Life: 900: Talk Me Into It (Nov 2, 2026) · Listen from 35:02

Bankhead says a U.S. senator, a sitting governor and a former cabinet member called to try to get her to drop out.

“I had a U.S. senator, a sitting governor and a former member of cabinet call me to try to get me to drop out”

This American Life: 900: Talk Me Into It (Nov 2, 2026) · Listen from 29:17

Bankhead believes she was seen as likely to drop out because of her gender, youthful appearance, ethnicity and kindness.

“I think because I'm female and I look really young and I'm brown and I'm petite and I'm kind”

This American Life: 900: Talk Me Into It (Nov 2, 2026) · Listen from 19:26

Jon Tester argues the stakes are existential for democracy and that Bankhead does not grasp the gravity of the situation.

“Look, our democracy is hanging on by its fingernails today. If that, Congress has been AWOL for a year and three quarters”

This American Life: 900: Talk Me Into It (Nov 2, 2026) · Listen from 33:20

Brian Schweitzer denies offering Neal money and says he was pointing out how ridiculous such an offer would be.

“I was saying how ridiculous it would be if somebody would propose to pay money to get out of the race”

This American Life: 900: Talk Me Into It (Nov 2, 2026) · Listen from 25:07

Riley Neal says the effort was a deliberate attempt to suppress her campaign and has left her feeling alienated from the Democratic Party.

“was a purposeful effort to repress my race. And I can't say that after this experience, I feel like much of a Democrat now”

This American Life: 900: Talk Me Into It (Nov 2, 2026) · Listen from 22:49