First results from western Montana house district shows tight race

MISSOULA — Polls in Montana closed at 8 p.m. and the Secretary of State’s office has shown results trickling in from a handful of counties in the hour since with Democrat Sam Forstag and Republican Aaron Flint in a closely matched battle for the state’s first congressional district. 

Forstag’s campaign is hosting an election watch party at Missoula’s Florence Hotel, while Flint’s campaign is in the Flathead Valley.

Speaking to supporters just before polls closed, Forstag said he’s optimistic about the night but proud of the campaign no matter the results.

“I’m feeling that special kind of optimism,” Forstag said. “I’m feeling like we can change this country again.”

With around 48,000 votes processed, by 9 p.m., the two candidates were separated by about 2,000, with Flint leading. He drew voters from the Bitterroot Valley by a 16-point margin., while Forstag earned twice as many votes from union-heavy Silver Bow County.

The district’s most populous counties — Missoula, Gallatin and Flathead — have reported no votes yet.

This is the third time Montana’s western district has held an election since it was created following the 2020 census. 

Incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke won and held the seat with a 3% and 8% margin the last two elections, but is retiring, leaving it open. 

Flint, a veteran and former talk radio host, was picked as a preferred successor and easily won the Republican primary. His conservative talk show was broadcast out of Billings for numerous years, making him a known figure among Republicans. He has benefitted from visits by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in recent weeks. 

Forstag is a political newcomer who has worked as a wildland firefighter and smokejumper in recent years, and spent two legislative sessions as a lobbyist in Helena. He won the Democratic primary with more progressive messaging, featuring high-profile endorsements from U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.