US EditionRyan Busse Becomes Fourth Montana Democrat to Enter the U.S. House Race Against Rep. Zinke
Ryan Busse enters a crowded Democratic primary aiming to unseat four-term incumbent Ryan Zinke in Montana's western district, backed by polling showing a narrow lead.
- On Thursday morning, Ryan Busse announced a congressional campaign to run for Montana's 1st Congressional District, challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke in the 2026 election.
- After seeing Tulchin Research polling, Busse said his 2024 gubernatorial campaign and name recognition position him well, with Tulchin Research showing him leading 47-43 over Zinke.
- Busse joined a crowded Democratic primary that already includes Russell Cleveland and Matt Rains, focusing on health care, tariffs, federal cuts, affordability, and public lands while Montana's 1st Congressional District remains rated Likely Republican by Cook Political Report.
- The seat's outcome matters nationally because Democrats argue voter dissatisfaction with President Trump's policies could make the western district competitive, and four Democratic candidates signal a contested primary and general election.
- Election returns show Busse trailed Monica Tranel in most western counties while Zinke's margins rose from 3.5% in 2022 to 7% in 2024, making the general election challenging.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Montana Free Press
The Livingston EnterpriseRyan Busse announces for western district House race, adding to crowded Democratic primary field
Busse’s announcement capped off a week in which Democratic and independent candidates announced challenges to all three Republican congressional incumbents on the 2026 ballot.
Ryan Busse, former Democratic nominee for Montana governor, enters congressional race against Ryan Zinke
KALISPELL, Mont. - Ryan Busse, a former executive at Kimber Firearms and the 2024 Democratic nominee in the Montana governor's race, announced his candidacy for Montana's First Congressional District on Wednesday.
ABC FOX Montana
Ryan Busse joins race to challenge Zinke for House seat
After failing to unseat Gov. Greg Gianforte last fall, the former firearms executive has sights set on the state’s most competitive federal election following promising poll.
Growing field of Democratic candidates running for Montana western U.S. House seat
Theres a growing field of Democratic candidates challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke in the race for Montanas western U.S. House seat.On Thursday morning, Ryan Busse an author, activist and former firearms executive from Kalispell announced a congressional campaign. It comes just over a year after Busse was the Democratic nominee for Montana governor in the 2024 elections.I think it's urgent that we take back this state, Busse told MTN. P…
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