In a bid to reshape the political landscape of Montana’s first congressional district, Sam Forstag, a smokejumper and union advocate, is campaigning to unseat Republican Ryan Zinke, a former cabinet member under Donald Trump. Forstag, who has witnessed firsthand the impact of federal job cuts on workers, is rallying support by centring his platform on pro-worker policies, aiming to address the pressing needs of Montana’s working class.
From Smokejumper to Political Challenger
Forstag’s journey into politics was catalysed by a harsh reality he encountered while serving as the vice-president of the Forest Service Council Local 60. In a shocking move, the US Forest Service terminated 300 employees in Montana, leaving many without cause or notice. “These folks had no cause in their termination paperwork. They had no notice,” Forstag recounted, highlighting the harshness of the cuts that affected dedicated employees, including those battling personal crises.
This experience not only ignited a fire within Forstag to advocate for workers’ rights but also solidified his belief that the current political climate favours the wealthy at the expense of the working population. “It’s working people getting screwed while rich people get a whole lot richer,” he declared, underscoring the systemic issues he aims to address in Congress.
The Political Landscape: A Tight Race Ahead
Zinke, who resigned from his role in the Trump administration amid several ethics investigations, has returned to Congress with a controversial history. His wealth has surged from $2 million in 2017 to over $30 million by 2021, a stark contrast to the economic struggles faced by many in his district. Despite his portrayal as a defender of public lands, Forstag argues that Zinke has consistently voted against the interests of his constituents, opting instead to support extractive industries that threaten Montana’s natural resources.
Forstag’s entry into the race has drawn attention from national Democrats, who view the district as a potential gain in their effort to reclaim the House majority in the upcoming midterms. However, they are aware that Montana remains a Republican stronghold, especially after the defeat of Democratic Senator Jon Tester in 2024, who had held his seat for nearly two decades.
Advocating for Working-Class Interests
As Forstag positions himself for the Democratic nomination, he faces competition from other candidates like Ryan Busse, a former firearms executive. Nevertheless, Forstag remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for the working class. “There is genuinely a fundamental lack of representation for working people in federal office right now,” he asserted, emphasizing the urgent need for policies that prioritise the needs of everyday Americans.
His platform includes expanding affordable housing, providing universal childcare, and reforming the healthcare system—issues he believes are crucial for improving the lives of workers in Montana and beyond. “You should be able to work a good job in this state and in this country and afford housing and health coverage,” Forstag stated, advocating for a government that actively intervenes to meet the needs of its citizens.
A Broader Movement Among Workers
Forstag is not alone in his pursuit. His candidacy is part of a larger movement where former federal employees and union leaders are stepping into the political arena, seeking to elevate the voices of working people. This trend reflects a growing recognition within the Democratic Party of the necessity to reconnect with the working class, a constituency that has increasingly felt alienated in recent years.
As Forstag continues his campaign, he is determined to remind voters that their struggles are at the forefront of his agenda. “The primary function of government is to step in when the market is not meeting a need and to make people’s lives materially better,” he asserted, a sentiment that encapsulates his vision for a more equitable future.
Why it Matters
As the race unfolds, the outcome will not only determine the political future of Montana’s first congressional district but will also reflect the broader national discourse on workers’ rights and economic inequality. Forstag’s campaign is emblematic of a rising wave of candidates who are prioritising the needs of the working class, challenging the status quo and calling for a reevaluation of policies that have long favoured the affluent over the majority. The stakes are high in this contest, as the narrative of working-class representation could redefine party dynamics and electoral strategies in the years to come.
