Full Breakdown
Sam Forstag Projected to Win Montana Democratic Primary
6/4/2026, 5:29:56 AM
Primary Outcome
Union leader and former smokejumper Sam Forstag, 31, is the projected winner of the Democratic primary for Montana’s open House seat, defeating Ryan Busse, Russell Cleveland and Matt Rains.
Background
The race opened after Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) retired, giving Democrats a chance to target a Republican-held district. Forstag entered after Musk’s cuts to the Forest Service eliminated about a quarter of Montana staff, many earning under $20 hour, prompting his run to protect union jobs.
Endorsements
Forstag secured endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD).
Data Snapshot
Forstag is 31, a smokejumper and union leader; the Forest Service cuts removed about 25 % of Montana staff; the primary field comprised four Democrats.
Impact on the 2024 Race
Democrats view the open seat as a potential flip that could narrow the Republican majority in the U.S. House.
Official Statements
Sanders praised Forstag’s willingness to stand up to big money; Ocasio-Cortez described him as a firefighter who runs toward the fire for constituents. Forstag said the Forest Service layoffs targeted low-wage workers and that his campaign seeks to restore those jobs.
Criticism and Opposition
Busse argued that endorsements would not translate into votes and noted a poll showing most Montanans were unfamiliar with Forstag, giving him a lead despite the endorsements.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A poll released last month indicated most Montanans were unfamiliar with Forstag and gave Busse a lead, while the current projection shows Forstag winning the primary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Most of the people that they fired were the lowest-pay workers in our agency, the people making less than $20 an hour swinging tools and conducting the science to keep our roads and trails clear and our air and water safe,” — Sam Forstag, Union Leader
- “When I reached out to our supposed representative, Ryan Zinke, time and time again, I got crickets,” — Sam Forstag, Missoula Rally
- “When something is burning in this state, Sam runs towards the fire, that’s the kind of person he is, and that’s the kind of person we have the opportunity to send to Congress,” — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY
- “He was an impressive guy, and I think that rally had some impact on his decision-making, and he is a working-class guy who I think is prepared to stand up to big money, and is the kind of guy that we need in the house now,” — Bernie Sanders, I-VT
What’s Next
Forstag will face the Republican primary winner in the November general election for the seat vacated by Rep. Ryan Zinke.
