Democrat Sam Forstag has won the party’s primary for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, CBS News projects, positioning him to challenge the Republican nominee in the November general election for an open seat currently held by retiring GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke.
What happened
Forstag, a smokejumper and union leader, secured the Democratic nomination in a race involving several primary challengers, including former firearms executive Ryan Busse, Navy veteran Russ Cleveland, and Army veteran Matt Rains. He will face Aaron Flint, the Republican primary winner.
The House seat is rated as “likely Republican” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, but Democrats see potential to flip the district in their effort to regain a House majority during the final two years of President Trump’s second term. The seat became open after Zinke announced his retirement in March due to health complications related to his previous military service as a Navy SEAL.
Zinke, first elected in 2015, served as Interior Secretary from 2017 to 2019 during Trump’s first term before returning to Congress. He won re-election in 2022 by a narrow margin and expanded his lead in 2024 but decided to step down to focus on his recovery.
Why it matters
If Forstag wins the general election, he would be the first Democrat in 30 years to represent Montana in the U.S. House. This race is key to Democrats’ strategy to regain control of the chamber. Forstag emphasizes winning back working-class voters and younger generations struggling with economic challenges, especially in Western Montana.
He has received endorsements from prominent progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who actively campaigned with him, and the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union.
Background
Montana’s 1st Congressional District has been held by Republicans for decades, with Zinke a prominent figure since 2015. His resignation opens a competitive opportunity amid a shifting political landscape. The 2026 midterms come as both parties vie for control in a closely divided Congress with potential national impact.
Forstag’s campaign highlights economic issues affecting union members and housing affordability, targeting voters who feel alienated by both parties. His background as a smokejumper and union leader provides him with a unique profile in Montana politics.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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