Seth Andrew Bodnar (born February 2, 1979) is an American academic administrator, veteran, and business executive who was the 19th president of the University of Montana. He is a graduate of West Point and was a Rhodes Scholar with master's degrees from Hertford College, Oxford. In January 2026, Bodnar resigned his post as president of the University of Montana, and two months later he officially announced his run for U.S. Senate in 2026. Bodnar is married to Chelsea Bodnar, a pediatrician and fifth-generation Montanan. The couple, who met as Rhodes Scholars, have three children and live in Missoula, Montana.
Bodnar served in the 101st Airborne Division and as a Green Beret in the US Army's 1st Special Forces Group. He commanded a Special Forces detachment on multiple deployments and served as Special Assistant to the Commanding General in Iraq. From 2003 to 2004, he was deployed to Iraq and served in the 101st Airborne Division. Bodnar later served in the 1st Special Forces Group and commanded a detachment during additional overseas deployments. In 2008, Bodnar was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. Following his deployments, Bodnar returned to West Point, where he served as an assistant professor, taught economics, mentored cadets, and published research on economic development in conflict areas. In 2011, Bodnar joined General Electric (GE), eventually becoming a senior executive in GE's transportation division.
Critical of both major parties
"This country is in crisis, and our national political parties are failing us," Bodnar said, over footage of him in a military uniform, hanging out with a family at home and hunting.
Voting History: N/A - No voting record
Support affordable healthcare
Bodnar cited the cost of living, access to health care, public education and access to public lands as political priorities.
Voting History: N/A - No voting record
Bodnar assumed the role of President of the University of Montana in January 2018. During his tenure, Bodnar initially experienced enrollment declines in his first few years. However, by the 2024 academic year, the University recorded a 5.6% increase in first-year students, which was the largest year-over-year enrollment jump since 2009.
Campaign messaging emphasizes personal biography (Green Beret background, Rhodes Scholar credentials) and criticism of 'political elites' without strong social media footprint.
Bodnar's independent candidacy will split the vote
Park County's Reilly Neill took to social media Wednesday to pillory Bodnar and his independent candidacy, rattling off a list of grievances before saying, "He's worse than Daines. … I won't let this guy bully me out of the race."
Bodnar is a liberal in independent clothing
In a statement on social media Wednesday, the NRSC sought to paint Bodnar as a liberal and attacked him because a transgender student participated in university athletics under his tenure. That student was Juniper Eastwood, who in 2019 became the first transgender athlete to compete in an NCAA Division I cross-country meet. "Now, Both Ways Bodnar wants Montanans to believe he's transitioning from a Democrat to a fake independent," the committee tweeted.