Shaily Rager

Daines, who was heavily favored to win re-election, said in a statement that he's been wrestling with the decision for months.

Montana Republican U.S.

Attorney Kurt Almey filed to run for U.S.

Senate just as Daines dropped out, minutes before the candidate filing period closed.

Danes immediately endorsed Almey.

President Donald Trump appointed Almey the state's U.S.

attorney twice and endorsed his candidacy on Truth Social.

Almey has not run for office before.

For NPR News, I'm Shaley Riker in Helena.