# Independent Senate candidates test US voters’ party discontent 2026-08-06T14:09:25+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Independent Senate candidates Seth Bodnar in Montana and Dan Osborn in Nebraska are testing whether US voters’ frustration with Democrats and Republicans can produce victories. Bodnar says Democrats overlook Montana while Republicans take it for granted. Osborn won 47% in his 2024 Senate campaign and is challenging Republican incumbent Pete Ricketts again. More congressional candidates have filed as independents for 2026 than in any cycle since at least 2000. Gallup found 45% of Americans identified as independent last year. Yet independent campaigns face weaker organisation and tougher signature rules. Critics say Bodnar and Osborn receive Democratic fundraising support, including through ActBlue. Their chances may depend on Republican backing and whether Democrats stay in the races. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com Tags: Democrats, independent candidates, Republicans, Senate elections, US politics Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/independent-senate-candidates-test-us-voters-party-discontent/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/independent-senate-candidates-test-us-voters-party-discontent/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.