Kurt Alme’s Senate bid marred by ties to abuse scandal at ranch

Kurt Alme’s Senate Bid Amid Controversy Tied to Past Organization

Kurt Alme, a Republican Senate hopeful in Montana, has faced scrutiny over his previous role with an organization implicated in a sexual abuse case involving a minor.

Alme was appointed as general counsel for the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Foundation in 2010, later serving as its president from 2013 to 2017. This foundation supports the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch in Billings, which provides therapeutic and residential care for at-risk children. Although not directly affiliated with any religious organization, the ranch’s mission highlights faith-based treatment.

In 2018, legal action was initiated by a mother whose son, then 10, reported being sexually assaulted by other residents of the ranch between 2013 and 2014. Allegations included exposure and physical assault by peers, with claims that staff dismissed the child’s reports and inadequately supervised the environment. A jury ruled in favor of the victim, awarding $300,000 in damages, though the ranch has consistently denied liability.

Alme’s political career includes tenure as U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana from 2017 to 2020, resuming this role from 2025 to 2026. His recent Senate bid began after filing candidacy papers this month, coinciding with the retirement announcement of Sen. Steve Daines, the current officeholder. The synchronized timing of these announcements has stirred speculation about potential strategic coordination, possibly to restrict competition in the race.