Democrats Alani Bankhead of Montana and Julian Beaudion of South Dakota say they will remain in their Senate races despite pressure from national and state party leaders to withdraw in favor of independent candidates Seth Bodnar and Brian Bengs, who are seen as having a better chance to win in November.

Both senators say they will not quit unless a divine sign compels them. National Democrats argue that the party’s brand is weak in the two states that President Trump carried in 2024, making a Democratic win unlikely and threatening the party’s effort to retake the Senate.

The South Dakota withdrawal deadline is Tuesday and Montana’s deadline is August 10. If Democrats stay on the ballot, Republicans are favored to keep the seats, which would hinder the party’s Senate majority prospects.

Matt Bennett, co‑founder of Third Way, said the party should let the independent run because beating Republican incumbents is the top priority, even if the independent does not align with Democratic policy positions. He warned that failing to withdraw could damage the party’s chances.

Democrats in Nebraska and Idaho have already stepped aside to support independent candidates, a move that may free resources for Republicans in other close races.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee said Democrat‑backed independents support socialist policies and middle‑class tax hikes, claiming they will be defeated in November. Former president Trump criticized Bankhead on social media while ignoring Bodnar.

Faiz Shakir, a longtime adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders, said independents can attract voters angry with the two‑party system, but warned that highlighting their fundraising and establishment backing may associate them with the donor class and diminish their independence.

Bankhead and Beaudion say they can win despite headwinds, emphasizing voter relationships and the possibility of an independent path, and reject suggestions that their candidacies will cause a political calamity.