US EditionRyan Busse Becomes Fourth Montana Democrat to Enter the U.S. House Race Against Rep. Zinke
Ryan Busse entered the Democratic primary to challenge Ryan Zinke for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, citing polling showing a 47-43 lead and focusing on affordability and public lands.
- Ryan Busse announced he will run for Montana's 1st Congressional District to challenge incumbent Republican U.S.. Rep. Ryan Zinke in the 2026 election.
- After seeing Tulchin Research polling, Busse said his 2024 gubernatorial campaign and Kalispell base boost his name recognition to compete in Montana's western House race.
- Busse joined a crowded primary that already includes Russell Cleveland and Matt Rains, framing critiques around health care, tariffs and federal cuts while prioritizing affordability and public lands in Montana's 1st Congressional District, rated Likely Republican by Cook Political Report.
- The seat's outcome matters nationally because four Democratic candidates have announced bids despite no Democrat winning since 1997, and partisan swings could affect U.S. House control for 2026.
- Election returns show Busse received fewer votes than Monica Tranel in nearly every western county, while Zinke increased his margins from 3.5% in 2022 to 7% in 2024.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Montana Free Press
The Livingston EnterpriseRyan Busse announces for western district House race, adding to crowded Democratic primary field
Busse’s announcement capped off a week in which Democratic and independent candidates announced challenges to all three Republican congressional incumbents on the 2026 ballot.
Ryan Busse, former Democratic nominee for Montana governor, enters congressional race against Ryan Zinke
KALISPELL, Mont. - Ryan Busse, a former executive at Kimber Firearms and the 2024 Democratic nominee in the Montana governor's race, announced his candidacy for Montana's First Congressional District on Wednesday.
ABC FOX Montana
Ryan Busse joins race to challenge Zinke for House seat
After failing to unseat Gov. Greg Gianforte last fall, the former firearms executive has sights set on the state’s most competitive federal election following promising poll.
Growing field of Democratic candidates running for Montana western U.S. House seat
Theres a growing field of Democratic candidates challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke in the race for Montanas western U.S. House seat.On Thursday morning, Ryan Busse an author, activist and former firearms executive from Kalispell announced a congressional campaign. It comes just over a year after Busse was the Democratic nominee for Montana governor in the 2024 elections.I think it's urgent that we take back this state, Busse told MTN. P…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
