Susan Cundiff, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Montana.

Susan Cundiff, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Montana, has tribal ties, The Billings Gazette reports.

Cundiff was born in Virginia and moved to Montana when she was 19. She graduated from University of Montana, where she served as vice president and treasurer of the Kyi-yo Indian Student Club and minored in Native American studies.

Cundiff later served as president of the Missoula County Public Schools Title VII Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee and worked for Salish Kootenai College. Her tribal affiliation wasn't reported but the Gazette said she isn't currently enrolled in a tribe.

Cundiff's main opponent for the GOP nomination is Rep. Steve Daines (R-Montana), who has raised $2.2 million for his campaign and serves on the House Natural Resources Committee. Since joining Congress in 2013, he has emerged as an advocate for tribes in Montana.

Sen. John Walsh (D-Montana) currently holds the Senate seat. He was appointed to serve out the remainder of the term of former Sen. Max Baucus (D), who had announced his retirement but left early to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China.

Get the Story:
Surprise U.S. Senate candidate Susan Cundiff approaching campaign `one step at a time’ (The Billings Gazette 5/5)