Forstag Wins Montana Primary
Former Smokejumper and Union Leader Sam Forstag Wins Montana Democratic Primary
Key Points
Ryan Busse conceded shortly after results tightened, writing, "I want to offer heartfelt congratulations to Sam Forstag for winning the Democratic primary... I am excited to support him as he fights for our community," before Forstag declared victory and said, "We did it, Montana."
Forstag’s union-and-public-service background is more specific than portrayed in the summary: he spent eight years as a wildland firefighter, including four as a smokejumper, and served as vice president of the local National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) union.
The primary was for a seat previously held by Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, who "chose not to seek reelection," and the district spans much of western Montana including "Kalispell, Missoula, Butte and Bozeman."
Labor endorsements included direct messaging from top officials: IAM International President Brian Bryant said, "when working people organize and stand together, they can build the political power needed to create real change," while NFFE-IAM President Randy Erwin said Forstag’s win is a signal of a "growing demand" for leaders who understand working people “because they’ve lived them.”
Historical context: one report noted Montana hasn’t elected a Democrat to the U.S. House since Rep. Pat Williams retired in 1997, placing the nomination in a longer-term Democratic challenge for western Montana.
Sam Forstag, a smokejumper and federal union leader from Missoula, won the Democratic nomination for Montana's 1st Congressional District on June 3, defeating three rivals in a tight primary race. Forstag finished with about 37% of the vote to runner-up Ryan Busse's 33%, declaring victory with a simple "We did it, Montana" Daily Montanan.
The win sets up a November general election against Republican Aaron Flint, a conservative talk-radio host, for the seat vacated by Rep. Ryan Zinke, who chose not to seek reelection CBS News. National analysts currently rate the seat as leaning Republican, but Democrats see it as one of their best pickup opportunities of the cycle.
Forstag's Union Roots Powered His Narrow Win
Forstag spent eight years as a wildland firefighter, including four as a smokejumper — an elite crew that parachutes into remote wildfires. He also served as vice president of NFFE-IAM Local 60, which represents Forest Service workers. That blue-collar résumé became the spine of his campaign Huffpost.
Labor groups rallied behind him hard. IAM International President Brian Bryant said "when working people organize and stand together, they can build the political power needed to create real change." NFFE-IAM President Randy Erwin added that Forstag understands working people "because he's lived them" Yahoo News.
Sanders and AOC Endorsements Helped Close the Gap
Forstag entered the race as a financial underdog. Ryan Busse led the field with $702,000 raised before the primary. But endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew national attention and grassroots cash Huffpost. AOC held a rally in Missoula just days before the June 2 vote.
Busse conceded early on the morning of June 3. "I want to offer heartfelt congratulations to Sam Forstag for winning the Democratic primary," he wrote. "I am excited to support him as he fights for our community." Third-place finisher Russ Cleveland took 22% of the vote CBS News.
A Seat Montana Democrats Haven't Won Since 1997
Montana has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. House since Rep. Pat Williams retired in 1997 CBS News. Donald Trump won Montana by 20 points in 2024. That history makes the 1st District — which covers Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, and Kalispell — a steep climb for any Democrat.
But there are reasons for Democratic optimism. Zinke won his last race by fewer than 8 points. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester narrowly carried the district in 2024 even as he lost statewide. And over 166,000 ballots were cast before primary day, signaling high voter engagement CBS News.
Forstag Faces Flint in a Race to Watch This Fall
Republican Aaron Flint, a combat veteran and talk-radio host, is expected to frame the general election as a fight for "Montana values" against what he calls a "radical socialist" backed by national progressives Yahoo News. The Sanders and AOC endorsements that helped Forstag win the primary give Flint ready-made attack lines.
Forstag's platform centers on lowering grocery costs, expanding childcare, and restoring Affordable Care Act subsidies. He has also pledged to fight corporate landlords buying up Montana housing. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is expected to invest heavily in the race, viewing it as key to flipping the House CBS News.
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