This story was updated on Monday at 4:57 p.m. with additional developments.
U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he will not pursue reelection in Montana’s western U.S. House District, citing health concerns. This unexpected move has opened the field for new candidates. Shortly afterward, conservative talk radio host Aaron Flint and former Kalispell legislator Dr. Al Olszewski declared their intentions to enter the Republican primary in June.
According to Democratic analyst Joe Lamson, this could boost the chances for a Democratic contender as neither Flint nor Olszewski has federal election experience. “Neither Olzewski, nor Flint has general election experience for federal office,” Lamson said. Candidates have until March 4 to file with the state.
Zinke, who has been elected four times since 2014, noted that injuries from his Navy SEAL career necessitate surgery and recovery. “I have made the decision to leave office at the end of my fourth term and not seek re-election,” Zinke stated in a letter to constituents he posted online.
Zinke had previously served as Montana’s at-large representative before the state was divided into two districts after the 2020 census. He did not signal retirement plans during a Friday event with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at Montana Tech in Butte.
Zinke resigned as Trump’s Interior Secretary in 2019 amid several investigations. Shortly after his retirement announcement, Flint posted a campaign video on X and issued a press release claiming endorsements from Zinke, Gov. Greg Gianforte, and Senator Tim Sheehy. Olszewski, who lost to Zinke in the 2022 primary, confirmed his candidacy.
On the Democratic side, candidates Ryan Busse, Russ Cleveland, Sam Forstag, and Matt Rains have announced their intentions to run in the primary. Lamson argues that if notable Republicans like Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen or Attorney General Austin Knudsen join the race, it could challenge the Democratic hopefuls.
Following Zinke’s announcement, Gianforte praised his service, stating, “He’s been an outspoken advocate for Montanans and our values.” Sen. Sheehy, also a Navy SEAL, expressed gratitude, calling Zinke a mentor.
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