Zinke’s out. Everyone’s piling in. What’s next for Montana’s 1st Congressional district?

By: Micah Drew

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: March 5, 2026

Words: 1,610

Last Updated: 6 days, 8 hours ago

Ryan Zinke’s out for re-election to Congress.

Democrats are taking credit.

Elected Republicans (mostly) have anointed a successor for Congress.

Shots are being fired from left to right, and right to slightly less right.

But does anyone really know what the last-minute changeup means for a potentially competitive seat representing Montana’s western district?

Montana U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke made waves on Monday with the announcement that he is retiring from …

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