Montana Republican to not seek re-election in the US House

Politics
3 Mar 2026 • 6:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Montana Republican Ryan Zinke has announced he will not seek re-election to his U.S. House seat, citing health concerns stemming from military injuries.
  • Zinke, who served as Interior Secretary during Donald Trump's first administration, said his condition requires significant recovery time, making full-time representation challenging.
  • His decision creates a competitive race for the House seat in western Montana, potentially offering Democrats an opportunity in a state that has recently leaned Republican.
  • Zinke's political career includes serving in the Montana Legislature, a controversial tenure as Interior Secretary, and winning back a House seat in 2022.
  • Following his announcement, Zinke endorsed conservative talk radio host Aaron Flint, while other Republicans and Democrats are in the race.

IN FULL