Michael Black Wolf

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.

The state’s new home for tens of thousands of historical artifacts will soon open to the public. The Montana Heritage Center is decades in the making, and features art galleries, a research center and interactive exhibits – including a simulated mine shaft. Montana Public Radio’s Shaylee Ragar joined a preview tour and has more.