Sam Forstag Wins Democratic Primary For Montana's 1st District
Sam Forstag won the Democratic primary in Montana's 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, according to CBS News projections, putting him on the ballot for an open U.S. House seat.[1]
The seat is open after Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke announced in early March 2026 that health issues could force him to miss future votes and he is retiring.[1] Cook Political Report rates the November contest as likely Republican, but a Forstag victory would make him the first Democrat to represent Montana in the House in 30 years.[1]
In early March 2026, Zinke cited health concerns as the reason for his retirement, creating an open-seat contest that attracted multiple Republican and Democratic hopefuls.[1] National handicappers have viewed the seat as leaning Republican, which makes Forstag's path in November challenging despite his primary win.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Sam Forstag won the Democratic primary in Montana's 1st Congressional District, according to CBS projections.
- The seat is open because Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke is retiring after announcing in early March 2026 that health issues could cause him to miss future votes.
- Cook Political Report rates the general-election contest as likely Republican, but a Forstag victory in November would make him the first Democrat to represent Montana in the House in 30 years.
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