Bankhead Calls Out Bodnar Over Discrimination Claims in Senate Race

Bankhead Challenges Bodnar Over Discrimination Claims in Montana Senate Race

As the Montana Senate race intensifies, Alani Bankhead, the Democratic nominee, has publicly criticized independent candidate Seth Bodnar, former president of the University of Montana. During her address at a recent University event, Bankhead focused on Bodnar's alleged inaction regarding a 2024 gender discrimination lawsuit against the university.

Having secured the Democratic nomination on June 2, Bankhead’s campaign has gained considerable traction, in part due to her unexpected success in the primary. At the event, attendees displayed signs that referenced the allegations detailed in the lawsuit, underscoring the audience's concerns.

One prominent sign read, “Under President Bodnar’s leadership and in violation of UM’s policies and federal law, women’s choices and actions were unreasonably contradicted and questioned.” Bankhead drew inspiration from Jeannette Rankin, the first woman to hold a congressional seat, stressing that "Jeannette wouldn’t stand for anyone who discriminates to be in a leadership position."

The gender discrimination lawsuit, filed in 2021, concluded with a significant settlement of $350,000. Bodnar, who held the presidency for eight years, resigned earlier this year to pursue a Senate seat. His campaign has contended that he championed equity and uplifted the status of women during his presidency.

Bankhead reiterated various allegations from the lawsuit, asserting that Bodnar had made inappropriate remarks regarding the weight of a university employee and compelled another plaintiff to work in proximity to a stalker. The university had previously dismissed these claims as “inflammatory” and lacking in substance.

While Bodnar’s campaign touted the increase in female academic leadership during his tenure, Bankhead, who has the backing of over $2.5 million from the Progressive Vet Political Action Committee, continues to assert her position. Her unexpected primary victory has raised questions about the dynamics of the upcoming election.

Political forecasts, such as those by Sabato’s Crystal Ball, indicate that the race for the Senate seat may lean towards Republican candidate Kurt Alme. Bankhead underlined the need for accountability in leadership and highlighted Bodnar's military background, suggesting that he should recognize the value of acknowledging errors.

In response to inquiries regarding her campaign's financial resources, Bankhead pointed to her primary success as validation of her campaign's strength. She firmly rejected any notion of withdrawing from the race for Bodnar, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a Democratic candidate on the ballot: “Seth Bodnar is absolutely the last person on the face of this earth I would ever drop out of this race for.”