Sam Forstag

The 2026 primary results yielded a couple of surprise congressional candidates for Democrats. Republican congressional candidates won as expected. Legislative races pitting conservative versus moderate Republicans ended with mixed results. And Republican primary voters turned out in much bigger numbers than Democratic primary voters.

The stage is now set for Montana’s November 3 general election. One of Tuesday’s most closely watched races will ultimately determine who will replace two term Republican Sen. Steve Daines.

Democratic U.S. House candidate Sam Forstag hopes a Montana visit from AOC will help propel him to victory. Democratic Senate candidates are being walloped in the fundraising wars. And most of Jonathan Windy Boy's Senate colleagues want him gone.

Montana’s primary elections are just a few days away, and candidates are vying to stand out in a packed race. In the final days, Democratic U.S. House hopeful Sam Forstag held a rally with Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, in the hopes of securing his party’s nomination.

The CSKT water compact has been finalized after years of negotiation. Governor announces $1.2 million investment into child psychiatric care; SNAP restrictions on sugary foods take effect in Montana; Senate confirms Brian Gootkin as Montana's new U.S. Marshal; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez event in Missoula moved to May 28.

AOC's return visit to Montana pleases both progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans – for different reasons. President Trump's effect on Montana's election is yet to be measured. A last minute infusion of PAC money to a Democratic Senate candidate raises questions. Voter interest in this mid-term election is hard to gauge.

State Attorney General Austin Knudsen is demanding federal regulators take a close look at one of the largest A.I. companies in the world before it hits the stock market. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leading voice for progressive Democrats, will stump for a Montana candidate next week. All but one of Montana’s seven largest cities added new residents last year.

A Montana senator's push for the Trump ballroom could backfire at the polls. Threats of violence mar present-day politics. Prominent endorsements start to surface as the election gets closer. And a rising Democratic party star is headed to Butte to campaign for a proposed Montana ballot initiative.

A Democratic candidate drops out of the race after allegations of sexual abuse. Rep. Ryan Zinke criticizes President Trump and a Republican candidate. And Democratic House candidates take swipes over dark money and data centers.

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.'