Different Dems? At Butte debate, candidates make pitch to challenge GOP

By: Jordan Hansen

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: March 11, 2026

Words: 1,059

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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BUTTE — Montana Democrats gathered in the Motherlode Theater in Butte on Tuesday night for the first debate among the party’s four primary contenders for the state’s western district congressional seat.

More than 100 people attended Tuesday’s debate, which came on the heels of a Monday event in Whitefish. The four candidates seeking to replace Rep. Ryan Zinke — Ryan Busse, Russell Cleveland, Sam Forstag and Matt Rains — were asked questions for more …

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