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8h ago

Ryan Zinke to Retire at Term’s End, Opening Montana House Seat

His exit opens a competitive race in a GOP-leaning western Montana district.

FILE - Rep.-elect Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., walks from a closed-door meeting with the GOP Conference during the opening day of the 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
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FILE - Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., right, talks with Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., left, prior to a House Committee on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Sept. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)
FILE - Rep.-elect Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., looks to Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., in the House chamber as the House meets for the third day to elect a speaker and convene the 118th Congress, Jan. 5, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Overview

  • Zinke cited multiple surgeries from his Special Operations service and said he will finish his term to avoid missed votes before undergoing additional medical procedures.
  • Aaron Flint, a conservative radio host and Army veteran, launched a campaign within hours and was endorsed by Zinke, Sen. Tim Sheehy, Rep. Troy Downing and Gov. Greg Gianforte.
  • Former state senator and orthopedic surgeon Al Olszewski filed to run in the Republican primary as the state’s filing deadline approaches on Wednesday.
  • Democrats already in the race include Ryan Busse, Sam Forstag, Matt Rains and Russ Cleveland, and the DCCC lists the district as in play in a Cook-rated R+5 seat.
  • Zinke’s decision adds to a wave of House Republican retirements and puts more pressure on the GOP’s slim 218–214 majority, with three House vacancies ahead of November.