Bullock announces run for Montana Senate seat

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) formally announced his 2020 Senate run on Monday, tweeting his first campaign ad.

“I’ve always fought for the people of Montana. Together, we expanded health care, protected public lands, banned dark money in politics & more,” Bullock tweeted. “Now I’m taking that fight to the US Senate. Let’s make Washington work more like Montana.”

In the ad, Bullock touts his record as governor, including actions to protect public lands, the nation’s sixth-fastest weekly wage growth, the creation of 34,000 jobs and a freeze on college tuition.

I’ve always fought for the people of Montana. Together, we expanded health care, protected public lands, banned dark money in politics & more. Now I’m taking that fight to the US Senate. Let’s make Washington work more like Montana. Join us: https://t.co/vyPPioB0tJ #MTSen #MTpol pic.twitter.com/6VuCKsNTeW

— Steve Bullock (@stevebullockmt) March 9, 2020

The governor, who will challenge Sen. Steve Daines (R), announced his run on the filing deadline.

Bullock, who had initially said he would finish his term as governor as recently as February, reportedly decided on a run after appeals from Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former President Obama.

Bullock joins former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper as the second former Democratic presidential candidate who will mount a Senate run after exiting the presidential race.

Bullock entered the then-crowded presidential field in May, making the stage for a single debate and frequently touting his ability to win as a Democrat in a state that went heavily for President Trump in 2016. 

He dropped out of the 2020 presidential race in December.

“Steve Bullock ran his administration like a frat house and acquiesced to the far left during his comical presidential run, not exactly the strongest way to launch a Senate campaign,” National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Nathan Brand said in a statement.

“Bullock supported impeaching President Trump, wants to ban guns, and ignore illegal immigration. One can see why, given their visceral disdain for the Montana way of life, Washington Democrats rolled out the red carpet for Bullock,” Brand added. “Meanwhile, Steve Daines always puts Montana first, is a proven leader and a strong ally for President Trump.”

Updated at 9:19 a.m.