In a groundbreaking victory, Democrat Sam Forstag emerged victorious over Republican Aaron Flint in the fiercely contested Western U.S. House District race. This marks the first time in over three decades that Montanans have voted a Democrat into the U.S. House of Representatives.
The last Democrat elected to the U.S. House from Montana was Pat Williams in 1994, coincidentally the year Forstag was born.
As of 5:30 Wednesday morning, the Associated Press had not officially called the race. With 78% of votes counted, Forstag was leading with 51.5% over Flint’s 45.7%, a difference of 12,000 votes. Libertarian Nick Sheedy garnered 2.8% of the vote.
Dressed casually, Forstag addressed supporters at 11:30 p.m. in Missoula. “After tonight, when we’re done celebrating, remember that this is not the end,” he said. “This is just the beginning. We’re going to make sure everybody in this country can work one job and afford housing and healthcare and childcare to get retired. So, tomorrow, we start that work.”
Forstag’s campaign staff, largely in their 20s and 30s, joined him on stage to cheer and hug. The crowd responded with chants of “Sam! Sam! Sam! Sam!”
In the lead-up to the election, polls indicated a tight race between Flint and Forstag. However, momentum shifted towards Forstag as Election Day approached. This Western District House race is notable for not including a baby boomer candidate in 30 years. Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, who supported Flint, opted not to run.
Montana hasn’t seen a Democrat win a statewide race since Jon Tester’s 2018 Senate victory. Erin Williams, daughter of Pat Williams, noted, “We never imagined all those years ago that it would take this long to elect a Democrat to this House seat.”
Forstag, a 32-year-old smokejumper and firefighter, has emphasized his blue-collar roots, advocating for healthcare access, progressive taxation, immigration reform, and energy infrastructure expansion.
Both candidates debated the impact of data center development. Forstag supports federal regulation, while Flint is open to data centers provided they don’t raise electricity rates or cause water shortages.
Flint, a 46-year-old veteran and former radio host, has criticized federal overreach and supports trades education. National GOP figures like President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned for him.
Despite differing views, Flint hoped his long-standing Montana ties would resonate with voters. Just after midnight, Flint conceded to Forstag in a phone call.
Tom Lutey and Katie Fairbanks contributed to reporting.
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