3 Independent Senate Candidates Reject Party Caucuses, Helping GOP

Three independent Senate candidates running in Republican-leaning states say they would caucus with neither party and would not vote for either party’s Senate leader if elected.

Dan Osborn of Nebraska, Seth Bodnar of Montana and Brian Bengs of South Dakota made the joint pledge Monday. They say their loyalty would be to voters in their states. Republicans argue their political ties and campaign support raise questions about how independent they would be in practice.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee dismissed the candidates’ announcement as a “Fake Independent circus.” Committee spokeswoman Bernadette Breslin predicted they would caucus with Democrats and support the party’s agenda. The candidates reject that characterization.

The stakes go beyond campaign labels. In a closely divided Senate, caucus membership can shape leadership, committee assignments and the ability to advance legislation. The candidates acknowledge that staying outside both caucuses could complicate efforts to secure committee positions, but argue it could also give them leverage. Committee assignments are negotiated through Senate leaders and approved by Senate resolution.

Bengs, who is challenging Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, said he would support neither Democrat Chuck Schumer nor Republican John Thune for Senate leader.

“I’m running to represent South Dakotans, not a political party,” he said.

Bengs ran against Thune as a Democrat in 2022 and says that experience convinced him to leave party politics. The Democratic nominee withdrew from this year’s race, leaving Bengs to challenge Rounds.

In Nebraska, Osborn is running against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts as a self-described lifelong independent. He says he would consider proposals from either party based on whether they benefit Nebraskans and argues an independent could wield influence in a narrowly divided chamber.

The Nebraska Democratic Party has endorsed Osborn. Democratic groups also spent heavily to support his previous Senate campaign, according to American Tribune. That support does not prove how he would caucus, but gives voters another factor to consider alongside his pledge.

Bodnar, a military veteran and former University of Montana president, says his oath was to the Constitution, not a political party. He is running against Republican Kurt Alme and Democrat Alani Bankhead.

Bodnar’s endorsements include former Democratic senators, former Republican Gov. Marc Racicot and other Republicans. His campaign has also received substantial donations through ActBlue, a fundraising platform widely used by Democrats. Alme has cited the donations in arguing that Bodnar is a Democrat in disguise. Bodnar says he would work with either party when its proposals serve Montana.

With Bankhead also remaining in the race, Montana voters will have a Democratic candidate and an independent candidate who has drawn support from Democrats and Republicans.

The candidates say donations do not buy their votes. Republicans point to those donations, endorsements and past party affiliations as reasons to scrutinize their claims of independence. Voters can examine the campaign records, and a candidate who wins would ultimately be judged by his Senate votes.

Independent Sens. Bernie Sanders and Angus King caucus with Democrats, Breitbart News reported. Osborn, Bodnar and Bengs say they would choose a different path.