Elise Montgomery has chosen Senator Hastings (R-ND) as her VP candidate. Hastings was chosen because of his long military career, which analysts predict is supposed to be a grounding counterbalance to Montgomery's sometimes rhetoric-heavy approach. Her campaign has also mentioned that she will rely on Hastings's DC experience to govern effectively.

About the Senator: A decorated Air Force veteran and former oil executive, Senator Bob Hastings represents North Dakota with a steady hand shaped by decades of service and leadership. Raised in a working-class family in Williams County, he learned discipline and grit early, working on his family's small farm before earning an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Over a 25-year military career, Hastings rose to the rank of Colonel, gaining expertise in strategy, logistics, and national defense. Returning home after retirement, he entered the energy sector, where he became a respected voice for responsible resource development. Now serving in the U.S. Senate, Hastings champions North Dakota’s role in national energy independence, defends strong military policy, and pushes for reduced federal overreach. Known for his calm, calculated leadership and deep connection to his constituents, Hastings blends conservative principles with a results-driven mindset. He lives in western North Dakota with his wife, enjoying the outdoors and staying close to the rural values that define his roots.