(Redirected from Ryan Busse)
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November 3, 2026
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Both Montana seats to the United States House of Representatives | |||||||
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The 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Montana will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the two U.S. representatives from the state of Montana, one from each of the state's congressional districts. The elections will coincide with other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate, and various state and local elections. The primary elections took place on June 2, 2026.[1]
District 1
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The 1st district is based in western Montana, including Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, and Kalispell. The incumbent is Republican Ryan Zinke, who was re-elected with 52.3% of the vote in 2024.[2] On March 2, 2026, Zinke announced that he would retire once his present term ends.[3]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Nominee
[edit]- Aaron Flint, radio host[4]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]- Ray Curtis, educator[5]
- Christi Jacobsen, Secretary of State of Montana (2021–present)[6]
- Albert Olszewski, former state senator (2017–2021), Flathead County Republican Central Committee chairman, candidate for U.S. Senate in 2018, governor in 2020, and this seat in 2022[7]
Withdrawn
[edit]- Ryan Zinke, incumbent U.S. representative (endorsed Flint)[7]
Declined
[edit]- Matt Regier, president of the Montana Senate (2025–present) from the 5th district (2025–present)[8]
- Denny Rehberg, former U.S. representative (2001–2013)[8]
Endorsements
[edit]Aaron Flint
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present) (previously endorsed Zinke)[9]
- U.S. senators
- Tim Sheehy, Montana (2025–present)[7]
- U.S. representatives
- Troy Downing, MT-02 (2025–present)[7]
- Richard Hudson, NC-09 (2013–present)[10]
- Mike Johnson, speaker of the House (2023–present) from LA-04 (2017–present)[8]
- Jim Jordan, OH-04 (2007–present)[11]
- Lisa McClain, MI-09 (2021–present)[11]
- Steve Scalise, House majority leader (2023-present) from LA-01 (2008-present)[11]
- Ryan Zinke, MT-01 (2023–present)[7]
- Statewide officials
- James Brown, state auditor of Montana (2025–present)[8]
- Greg Gianforte, governor of Montana (2021–present)[8]
- Austin Knudsen, attorney general of Montana (2021–present)[8]
- State legislators
- Brandon Ler, speaker of the Montana State House (2025–present) from the 35th district (2021-present)[11]
- Organizations
Ryan Zinke (withdrawn)
- Executive branch officials
Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[12] (endorsed Flint after Zinke withdrew)[9]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of May 13, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Aaron Flint (R) | $677,089 | $292,415 | $384,673 |
| Christi Jacobson (R) | $447,271 | $352,505 | $94,766 |
| Albert Olszewski (R) | $411,338 | $317,276 | $104,010 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[13] | |||
Results
[edit]
Flint
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
Jacobsen
- 40–50%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Aaron Flint | 40,880 | 50.1 | |
| Republican | Christi Jacobsen | 18,722 | 23.0 | |
| Republican | Al Olszewski | 16,517 | 20.3 | |
| Republican | Ray Curtis | 5,435 | 6.7 | |
| Total votes | 81,554 | 100.0 | ||
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Nominee
[edit]- Sam Forstag, smokejumper and union leader[15]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]- Ryan Busse, author, former vice president of sales at Kimber Manufacturing, and nominee for governor in 2024[16]
- Russell Cleveland, education consultant[17]
- Matt Rains, rancher and candidate for Montana's at-large congressional district in 2020[18]
Declined
[edit]- Brian Schweitzer, former Governor of Montana (2005–2013)[8](endorsed Busse)
- Hank Green, vlogger and entrepreneur[19][non-primary source needed]
Endorsements
[edit]Ryan Busse
- U.S. senators
- Ruben Gallego, Arizona (2025–present)[20]
- Statewide officials
- Brian Schweitzer, former governor of Montana (2005–2013)[20]
- State Legislators
- Susan Webber, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present) (co-endorsement with Forstag and Cleveland)[21]
- Organizations
- League of Conservation Voters Action Fund[22]
Russell Cleveland
- State legislators
- Susan Webber, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present) (co-endorsement with Busse and Forstag)[21][23]
- Labor unions
- Individuals
- Josh Hutcherson, actor[21]
- Organizations
- Indivisible Missoula[20]
Sam Forstag
- U.S. senators
- Bernie Sanders, Vermont (2007–present) (Independent)[25]
- U.S. representatives
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NY-14 (2019–present)[26]
- Greg Casar, TX-35 (2023–present)[27]
- Maxwell Frost, FL-10 (2023–present)[27]
- Pramila Jayapal, WA-07 (2017–present)[27]
- State legislators
- Kim Abbott, former minority leader of the Montana House (2021-2025) from the 83rd district (2017–present)[20]
- Geraldine Custer, former state representative from the 39th district (2015–2023) (Republican)[20]
- Susan Webber, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present) (co-endorsement with Busse and Cleveland)[21]
- Labor unions
- American Federation of Government Employees[28]
- Association of Flight Attendants[29]
- Montana AFL-CIO[20]
- National Federation of Federal Employees[30]
- Organizations
Matt Rains
- State legislators
- Jill Cohenour, state representative from the 83th district (2023–present; 2003–2011)[21]
- Paul Tuss, state representative from the 27th district (2023-present)[21]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of May 13, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Ryan Busse (D) | $702,447 | $551,915 | $150,531 |
| Russell Cleveland (D) | $418,450 | $363,895 | $54,554 |
| Samuel Forstag (D) | $694,569 | $533,132 | $161,437 |
| Matt Rains (D) | $265,119 | $230,813 | $34,305 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[13] | |||
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Ryan Busse |
Russell Cleveland |
Sam Forstag |
Matt Rains |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulchin Research (D)[33][A] | March 28 – April 1, 2026 | 400 (LV) | – | 35% | 20% | 13% | 5% | 27% |
Results
[edit]
Forstag
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
Busse
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
Cleveland
- 30–40%
- 50–60%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Sam Forstag | 25,854 | 37.3 | |
| Democratic | Ryan Busse | 22,952 | 33.1 | |
| Democratic | Russell Cleveland | 15,067 | 21.7 | |
| Democratic | Matt Rains | 5,476 | 7.9 | |
| Total votes | 69,349 | 100.0 | ||
Third party and independents
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Nick Sheedy (Libertarian)[5]
- Kimberly Persico (Independent)[34]
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[35] | Likely R | June 13, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[36] | Likely R | March 12, 2026 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[37] | Likely R | June 13, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[38] | Tilt R | June 8, 2026 |
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of May 13, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Aaron Flint (R) | $677,089 | $292,415 | $384,674 |
| Sam Forstag (D) | $694,570 | $533,132 | $161,437 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[39] | |||
Post-primary endorsements
Sam Forstag (D)
- U.S. senators
- Jon Tester, Montana (2007–2025)[40]
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Aaron Flint (R) |
Sam Forstag (D) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upswing Research (D)[41][B] | April 30 – May 5, 2026 | 401 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 48% | 43% | 9% |
Hypothetical polling
- Aaron Flint vs. Matt Rains
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Aaron Flint (R) |
Matt Rains (D) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upswing Research (D)[41][B] | April 30 – May 5, 2026 | 401 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 47% | 43% | 10% |
- Ryan Zinke vs. Ryan Busse
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Ryan Zinke (R) |
Ryan Busse (D) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Insights (R)[42][C] | January 12–15, 2026 | 400 (LV) | ± 5.0% | 47% | 41% | 12% |
| Tulchin Research (D)[43] | November 22–25, 2025 | 424 (LV) | ± 5.0% | 43% | 47% | 10% |
- Ryan Zinke vs. Sam Forstag
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Ryan Zinke (R) |
Sam Forstag (D) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Insights (R)[42][C] | January 12–15, 2026 | 400 (LV) | ± 5.0% | 48% | 38% | 14% |
Results
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Aaron Flint | ||||
| Democratic | Sam Forstag | ||||
| Total votes | |||||
District 2
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The 2nd district is based in eastern Montana, including Billings, Great Falls, and Helena. The incumbent is Republican Troy Downing, who was elected with 65.7% of the vote in 2024.[2]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Nominee
[edit]- Troy Downing, incumbent U.S. representative[44]
Endorsements
[edit]Troy Downing
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[12]
- Organizations
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of May 13, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Troy Downing (R) | $1,794,757 | $1,512,717 | $393,570 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[46] | |||
Results
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Troy Downing (incumbent) | 81,764 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 81,764 | 100.0 | ||
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Nominee
[edit]- Brian Miller, attorney[44]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]- Sam Lux, horse farrier[44]
- Jonathan Windy Boy, state senator from the 16th district (2009–2017, 2025–present)[47]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of May 13, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Sam Lux (D) | $9,611 | $8,845 | $943 |
| Brian Miller (D) | $15,220 | $9,390 | $1,821 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[46] | |||
Results
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Brian Miller | 23,941 | 55.7 | |
| Democratic | Sam Lux | 11,683 | 27.2 | |
| Democratic | Jonathan Windy Boy | 7,379 | 17.2 | |
| Total votes | 43,003 | 100.0 | ||
Libertarian primary
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Patrick McCracken[48]
Independents
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Michael Eisenhauer, cardiologist[49]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of May 13, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Michael Eisenhauer (I) | $259,927 | $124,165 | $135,762 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[46] | |||
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[35] | Solid R | June 13, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[36] | Solid R | June 13, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[37] | Safe R | June 13, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[38] | Safe R | September 26, 2025 |
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of May 13, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Troy Downing (R) | $1,794,757 | $1,512,717 | $393,570 |
| Brian Miller (D) | $15,220 | $9,390 | $1,821 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[39] | |||
Results
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Troy Downing (incumbent) | ||||
| Democratic | Brian Miller | ||||
| Total votes | |||||
See also
[edit]- 2026 Montana elections
- 2026 United States House of Representatives elections
- 2026 Montana House of Representatives election
Notes
[edit]Partisan clients
References
[edit]- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". NCSL. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "2024 House Vote Tracker". Cook Political Report. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ Anchor, Bradley Warren NonStop Local (March 2, 2026). "Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke to retire, will not seek reelection". NonStop Local Billings.
Congressman Ryan Zinke will not seek reelection for a fourth term in Montana's first Congressional District. The Republican who has had a storied career will make it official Monday as the filing deadline looms.
- ^ Warren, Bradley (March 2, 2026). "Conservative radio host Aaron Flint to run for Congress in Montana's first district". NonStop Local Montana. MontanaRightNow.com.
- ^ a b "FEDERAL PRIMARY 2026 Candidate List". candidatefiling.mt.gov. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ Johnson, Brady (March 3, 2026). "Christi Jacobsen enters Montana Western Congressional District race". Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e Drew, Micah (March 2, 2026). "Montana GOP candidates jump into race for western House district". Daily Montanan. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g Warren, Bradley (March 2, 2026). "Who's running for Congress in Montana? Here is what we know:". NonStop Local Montana. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ a b Eavis, Victoria (March 3, 2026). "Trump endorses Aaron Flint in Montana's western congressional primary race". The Independent Record. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ a b "NRCC Announces Addition of 8 Candidates to 'MAGA Majority' Program as GOP Expands 2026 Map". April 27, 2026. Retrieved May 4, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Eichholz, Jack (January 7, 2026). "2026 Endorsement Tracker". VoteHub. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ a b Drew, Micah (November 6, 2025). "Trump endorses Reps. Zinke, Downing for re-election". Daily Montanan. Missoula Current. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States House - Montana 1st". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved May 26, 2026.
- ^ a b "Montana U.S. House Primary Election Live Results 2026". AP News. June 2, 2026. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ^ Woodall, Hunter (January 5, 2026). "Democrats are talking about a midterm blue wave. A Montana smokejumper could help make it a reality". CBS News. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ Drew, Micah (January 8, 2026). "Ryan Busse joins race to challenge Zinke for House seat". Daily Montanan. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ Brooks, Gary (May 6, 2025). "Letter to the editor: Russell Cleveland running for US House". Longview News-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Eavis, Victoria (October 23, 2025). "Candidate field for U.S. House is shaping up as Democrat Matt Rains announces candidacy". The Independent Record. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ^ vlogbrothers (March 10, 2026). Is Hank Green Running for Congress?. Retrieved March 11, 2026 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c d e f Kimbel-Sannit, Arren (April 27, 2026). "Four brands of Democrat make their case in Montana's western congressional primary". Montana Free Press. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f Thomas, Mariah (January 6, 2026). "Forstag Jumps into Democratic Primary for Western House District". Flathead Beacon. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ "LCV Action Fund Announces Endorsement for Ryan Busse for U.S. House in Montana's First District". LCV. May 12, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ "Ryan Busse Endorsements". Busseformontana.com. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ "Union Of American Physicians and Dentists Endorses Russell Cleveland for Montana's First Congressional District". UAPD. April 13, 2026. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
- ^ Eavis, Victoria (January 5, 2026). "Missoula Democratic smokejumper enters U.S. House race to unseat Rep. Zinke". Billings Gazette. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
- ^ Ambarian, Jonathon (April 29, 2026). "Primary 2026: Four Democratic candidates in race for western U.S. House nomination". KTVH. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC Endorses Sam Forstag for MT-01". February 26, 2026. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- ^ "Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Smokejumper and Union Leader Sam Forstag for U.S. Representative". AFGE. May 12, 2026. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
- ^ "Endorsements". Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
- ^ "NFFE Endorses Sam Forstag for Montana's First Congressional District". National Federation of Federal Employees. January 5, 2026. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
- ^ Bailey, Ernest (February 26, 2026). "Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC Endorses Sam Forstag for MT-01". Progressive Caucus. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ "Sam Forstag for Congress (MT-01)". Our Revolution. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
- ^ Busse, Ryan [@ryandbusse] (April 6, 2026). "Let's go win this thing!" (Tweet). Retrieved April 7, 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ Wooden, Annie (February 12, 2026). "Hot Springs woman running for Congress". Sanders County Ledger. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ a b "2026 CPR House Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 House Ratings". Inside Elections.
- ^ a b "2026 House". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ a b "The 2026 House Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States House - Montana". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ^ "Tester endorses Forstag in Montana U.S. House race". KECI. NBC Montana. June 11, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ^ a b Svitek, Patrick [@PatrickSvitek] (May 13, 2026). "#MT01 Democratic primary: A memo on polling done for 314 Action, which hasn't endorsed, makes an electability pitch for Matt Rains over Sam Forstag" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ a b Drew, Micah (January 23, 2026). "Poll shows Zinke up on Busse, Forstag". Daily Montanan. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
- ^ Lutey, Tom (December 18, 2025). "The Poll...err Express". Montana Free Press. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ a b c Ambarian, Jonathon (November 12, 2025). "Montana's Eastern Congressional District: Downing running, two Democrats file". KTVH-DT. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ "Thank You for Supporting Pro-Israel Candidates". Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ^ a b c "2026 Election United States House - Montana 2nd". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved May 26, 2026.
- ^ Lloyd, Zeke (May 6, 2026). "Windy Boy restarts campaign for Montana's eastern U.S. House seat". Montana Free Press. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
- ^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1951987". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ Ambarian, Jonathon (January 2, 2026). "How 2026 is shaping up in Montana politics". KXLF. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
Michael Eisenhauer, a cardiologist from Great Falls, has announced plans to run for the seat as an independent.
External links
[edit]- Official campaign websites for 1st district candidates
- Official campaign websites for 2nd district candidates
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