A longtime congressman with deep military roots announced Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, setting off an immediate scramble in one of the state’s most closely watched districts. Representative Ryan Zinke of Montana announced Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, closing the chapter on a political career that has stretched across decades of military and public service.
“It has been my highest honor to serve America and the Great State of Montana,” Zinke said in a statement. He highlighted securing funding for bridges, roads, sewer systems, water infrastructure, public access points, and conservation projects, along with helping constituents navigate federal bureaucracy. “Service is a duty that I will always hold sacred,” he added. “I have made the decision to leave office at the end of my fourth term and not seek re-election.”
Zinke has represented Montana in three non-consecutive terms in the House and previously served as Secretary of the Interior under President Trump. Before that, he spent 23 years as a Navy SEAL, earning a Bronze Star during his military career.
According to reporting from The Hill, Zinke revealed that he has “quietly undergone” multiple surgeries since returning to Congress in January 2023 and faces several more after leaving office. The injuries stem from his 22-year SEAL career. While not life-threatening, they will require significant recovery time. Zinke said he plans to spend “considerable time” with his wife, Lola, and their family.
Senator Steve Daines praised his longtime friend’s service. “Ryan Zinke served Montana and our country with honor and distinction for four decades,” Daines said, noting his military record and time in public office. He recalled attending Montana Boys State with Zinke in 1979 and said Zinke’s desire to serve was evident even then.
Zinke’s departure adds him to a growing list of Republican House members opting not to run again, a development Democrats hope will improve their chances of flipping the chamber. In Montana’s western district, the political scramble is already underway.
Talk radio host Aaron Flint quickly released a campaign video and announced endorsements from Zinke, Governor Greg Gianforte, Senator Tim Sheehy, and other Republican officials. Notably, the contact listed for Flint’s campaign was Zinke’s chief of staff, signaling an organized transition effort.
Former state senator and physician Dr. Al Olszewski also announced he will run in the Republican primary. Olszewski previously challenged Zinke in 2022, losing in a tight race that took days to finalize.
On the Democratic side, Ryan Busse, Russ Cleveland, Sam Forstag, and Matt Rains have declared their candidacies. Zinke won the seat by four points in 2022 and by 7.6 points in 2024.
Montana’s western district is no longer a sleepy political backwater. With Zinke stepping aside, the 2026 race is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched House contests in the country.
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