FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Press@IndependentVeteransOfAmerica.org
Seth Bodnar, running for U.S. Senate from Montana, is an outstanding independent veteran leader that represents the power and potential of our movement
NEW YORK, July 24, 2026: Today, Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is proud to announce the endorsement of independent veteran candidate Seth Bodnar, running for the office of U.S. Senate, Montana.
Seth Bodnar is part of our new 2026 round of endorsed candidates for offices of all levels nationwide.
All IVA-endorsed candidates are outstanding independent leaders that will serve their communities with honor, stand strong as political independents, unify all voters, and bring hope to their home areas and to all Americans.
IVA is the first and only organization focused specifically on recruiting, supporting and electing independent and unaffiliated veteran candidates and incumbents. After launching on Independence Day (July 4th) 2024, generating strong membership growth and national media coverage, and historically endorsing 11 candidates last election cycle (including 4 winners), IVA’s 50-state outreach plan has succeeded in galvanizing an outstanding movement of independent veterans who are stepping up to serve at the local, state and federal level, driving independent reform and inspiring communities nationwide to come together and put country over party.
Seth Bodnar is part of a plan to recruit, support, train and elect 100 independent veterans nationwide in 2026.
From the US Senate to local school board, we’ve found an incredible cohort of leaders who want to continue to serve, unite all Americans, reject both broken parties and make history.
IVA conducted a rigorous review process and is proud to announce that Seth Bodnar is part of a dynamic wave of leaders who represents the values and spirit of IVA — and the best of America.
About Seth Bodnar
Seth Bodnar is a decorated Army Green Beret, former President of the University of Montana, and one of the most exciting independent candidates in the country.
His campaign has generated extraordinary grassroots energy in just its first weeks. That’s not a fluke — that’s Montana speaking.
Under his leadership, the University of Montana was named the #1 military-friendly university in the country in 2025.
Now Seth is running for U.S. Senate because he swore an oath to this country at 18 — not to a party. And 40% of Montanans agree with him.
Montana’s other Senate candidate was chosen by party leadership at the last minute. Montanans didn’t get a vote. Seth is giving them one.
“When I joined the military at the age of 18, I swore an oath to this country, not to a party. Montanans deserve an independent Senator who works for THEM, not for party bosses.”
— Seth Bodnar
“Independent Veterans of America is very proud to endorse independent Army veteran Seth Bodnar for U.S. Senate from Montana. In this time of war, division, turmoil, corruption and partisan failure, independent veteran Seth Bodnar represents hope for Montanans, for veterans, and for all Americans. Seth Bodnar also represents a game changing threat to both the Democrat and Republican parties and our country’s badly broken, hyper-partisan political system. He is an impressive, committed and serious leader that is uniting people of all backgrounds across Montana. He is a decorated Green Beret, university president, and visionary independent leader who has galvanized extraordinary grassroots energy across Montana.
Unlike his partisan Democrat opponent, Seth can unite and win in Montana. We call on our fellow veteran Alani Bankhead to do the right thing for our veterans community, put country over self, and drop out of the race now. The stakes are too high for our military and veterans for one of our own to become the spoiler in Montana.
Especially in this time of war, Montana and America need an independent, tested combat leader like Seth in the Senate. From ensuring adequate VA funding for our wounded, to overseeing Pentagon spending, to ensuring our troops are properly supported, Seth is one of us who is ready to meet his moment. He’s a proven independent fighter who will fight for veterans, Montana and America.”
— IVA Founder and CEO Paul Rieckhoff
About the Independent Movement
Independents are the future of American politics. And independent veterans are leading that future.
- 45% of all Americans consider themselves independents. They are the largest, fastest-growing and most-influential group of voters in the United States. And they are starving for leaders with integrity to support.
- There are more than 18 million veterans in America. And 49% of veterans self-identify as independent or unaffiliated voters. And that number is rising by the day.
- A majority of veterans are clear in their desire for less partisanship and more integrity in our leaders.
- Veterans vote. 98% of post-9/11 veterans recently surveyed said they planned to vote in 2024.
- A supermajority (65%) of young people (age 16-39) consider themselves independent and unaffiliated with either major party. This group includes millions of active duty and post-9/11 veterans.
Rieckhoff added, “Our endorsed independent veteran leaders come from different service branches, but are all united in their dedication to lead again now independently in elected office. These are leaders that all Americans can support, root for and believe in. IVA looks forward to continuing to introduce these bold leaders to America and to galvanizing support to help them win in November and make history. These leaders are the groundbreaking next wave of a new and rising movement. They are the plank owners that are building the foundation for waves of independent veteran leaders to come. A wave that will crest powerfully in 2026.”
From now until Election Day, IVA will organize and deploy resources aggressively to help Seth Bodnar and at least 99 other independent veterans win. On the airwaves, online and on the ground, IVA will add powerful reinforcements to help carry these candidates to victory on Election Day.
After Election Day, on Veterans Day (11/11), IVA will again unite these leaders, our community, and all Americans to offer non-partisan hope for the future and continue to build the independent veterans movement for decades to come.
IVA is also still accepting applications for endorsement for the pivotal 2026 elections on the IVA website endorsement page now.
About IVA
Independent Veterans of America (IVA) is the first organization in America to identify and empower the millions of politically independent/unaffiliated American veterans to defend and strengthen our democracy. IVA has support from a renowned group of advisors including Admiral Mike Mullen, historian Ken Burns, author Sebastian Junger, advocate Paul Rieckhoff, Medal of Freedom Recipient Bonnie Carroll, Independent Mayor of Colorado Springs Yemi Mobolade, Independent Mayor of Chattanooga Tim Kelly, and others. Led by and built around the unique power and potential of veterans, IVA is growing, deploying and electing a new generation of leaders who will protect the soul of the country we love, defend the values we hold dear, and improve our nation for generations to come.
This is the moment to answer the call. If you’re an independent veteran, or you’re an independent-curious Democrat or Republican, we invite you to declare your independence from the broken parties and join IVA.
Leave the partisan herds. Run with the independent pack.
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Independent Veterans of America’s mission is to organize and elect independent veterans to support and defend our democracy and lead America to a stronger future.
Every dollar goes straight into the fight — helping independent vets be seen, get traction, and win.
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