Western House Debate 2026: Flint and Forstag face off in Bozeman
Both candidates said data centers must protect Montana’s electricity and water, while each accused the other of being influenced by PAC spending.
- On Thursday, Oct. 8, Republican Aaron Flint and Democrat Sam Forstag met in Bozeman for a 30-minute candidate forum hosted by the Montana Television Network covering Montana's 1st Congressional District race.
- Addressing affordability, Flint focused on industry investment, whereas Forstag argued politicians treat the issue as a "buzzword" and proposed investing in housing that workers can afford.
- Seeking labor union endorsements, Flint highlighted support from Montana carpenters, while Forstag cited backing from 17 unions and his experience as a Forest Service union vice president.
- Candidates clashed over data center construction, with both arguing their opponent was compromised by campaign spending from PACs, while trading barbs regarding past lobbying work.
- With less than a month before Election Day, the forum exposed deep policy divides and personal animosity as both candidates intensify efforts to sway voters in the western congressional district.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Flint, Forstag trade barbs during debate for Montana’s open Congressional seat
As many Montanans were still on their first cup of coffee Tuesday, two candidates in a tightening race for federal office traded full blows in a debate, one attacked for being too crazy and the other for already being too…
University of Montana journalism director fact-checks debate with class
MONTANA — University of Montana journalism school director Lee Banville joined NonStop Local after hosting a debate between Western congressional candidates Sam Forstag and Aaron Flint.Banville and his class fact-checked each question during the debate as students worked through real-time…
The Billings Gazette
First Flint, Forstag debate focuses on affordability, data centers, money in politics
The first face-off between Republican Aaron Flint and Democrat Sam Forstag for the state's western congressional district race featured plenty of drive-by shots and divergent policy positions.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 93% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
