Matt Rains

MTPR is airing interviews with candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy spoke with Matt Rains, who’s a Democrat running for the western U.S. House seat.

Democrats are fighting with independents, Republicans are fighting with Republicans. A debate between two House candidates is more lovefest than contest. A House candidate's son tangles with a Bozeman rabbi. And a new campaign ad hopes an anti-war message will resonate with voters.

Democrats seeking their party's nomination for the state's U.S. House seats met in Helena last weekend to debate. The eastern district candidates covered many issues, including how they each plan to address health care costs. In the western district debate, candidates traded sharp criticisms over union backing and 'dark money.'

Democratic candidates for the western district House seat try to differentiate themselves from the pack. One area they differ: whether or not to take PAC money. Montana voters may get a chance to change campaign spending laws in the state. And one of the Democratic candidates hopes to channel the campaign success of a former governor.

Democrats competing in Montana’s western district congressional race met for a debate in Butte Tuesday. They discussed money in politics, data centers and access to health care, among other topics. While the candidates found some distinction between their views, they agree on most issues.

Four Democrats competing for Montana’s western U.S. House seat met for their first public forum Tuesday. The candidates covered a wide range of topics, from housing costs to immigration policy.

A text from former-Sen. Jon Tester has Democrats all shook up. University of Montana President Seth Bodnar may enter the Senate race. And the Democratic candidates for the western district House race have similar sounding campaign messages.

Midterm elections typically don't attract much attention, but 2026 may be different. With three of Montana's four seats in Congress on the ballot, nearly a dozen challengers have thrown their hat in the ring. Republican incumbents are favored in all three races, with the western district race seen as the most competitive.

Former gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse, and Missoula smokejumper and union leader Sam Forstag join Matt Raines and Russel Cleveland in the western U.S. House district primaries. Alani Bankhead, A U.S. Air Force veteran and leadership coach is now in the race for one of Montana’s U.S. Senate seats.

The 2026 general election is just about a year away. The races for Montana’s U.S. Senate and House seats are taking shape. Three Montana Democrats join the race to challenge Sen. Daines. The U.S. House races feature veterans, ranchers and political newcomers.