Downing cruises to reelection in Montana’s eastern Congressional district

U.S. Representative Troy Downing cruised to victory on Tuesday night in a race to retain his seat, and the Republican will be elected to his second term in Congress.

“Congressman Troy Downing is grateful to the people of Montana’s Second Congressional District for placing their trust in him for another term,” Keegan Bittner, a Downing spokesperson wrote in a statement. “Tonight’s victory reflects the hard work of our team and the support of Montanans across the district.”

The Associated Press called the race at 9:18 p.m. Downing led from the start and was heavily favored to win.

Downing took 53% of the vote in early returns, well ahead of Democrat Brian Miller’s 37%, Independent Michael Eisenhauer’s 9%, and Libertarian Patrick McCracken’s 2%. Eisenhauer did not immediately return a request for comment.

Downing, a veteran, won by more than 30 points in the 2024 election. Prior to his terms in Congress, Downing was the state auditor.

He campaigned on lowering taxes and reducing government regulation. Downing raised about $2.7 million during the election, far more than Eisenhauer’s $348,000. Miller raised less than $50,000.

Downing was endorsed by President Donald Trump and unopposed in the Republican primary.

“The Congressman is proud of what he accomplished during his first term and looks forward to continuing his work on behalf of Montana’s families and communities,” Bittner wrote. “He remains committed to delivering results and ensuring central & eastern Montana have a strong voice in Washington.”

Miller told the Daily Montanan on Tuesday night that before the race was called, he would have liked results from the largest county in the Second District, Yellowstone, which had not yet reported any numbers before The Associated Press called the race for Downing.

This story has been updated with comments from Rep. Troy Downing and Democratic candidate Brian Miller.