Republican Party Dynamics

Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he will not seek reelection, citing lingering special‑operations injuries and multiple surgeries — a decision confirmed and praised by Montana GOP Rep. Troy Downing. Fox News counts Zinke as the 35th House Republican elected in 2024 who won’t run again in 2026 (one other, Doug LaMalfa, died in office), notes 23 Democrats from that class also aren’t seeking reelection, and points out Cook Political Report’s R+5 rating for Montana’s 1st District, meaning it leans Republican but could be competitive.