Primary Election Date: June 2, 2026
General Election Date: November 3, 2026
Montana’s 2026 election cycle remains an uphill battle for Democrats in a state that has consistently favored Republicans in federal races. Still, Democrats are fielding candidates in both U.S. House districts and the U.S. Senate contest, aiming to compete through grassroots organizing, rural outreach, and working-class economic messaging in hopes of improving margins and testing the state’s political trajectory in a midterm year.
Montana’s Democratic House Primary
Ryan Busse
Race: Democratic Primary — Montana’s 1st Congressional District
Current Position: Former firearms industry executive; 2024 Democratic candidate for governor of Montana
Background: Busse previously served as vice president of sales at Kimber Manufacturing and ran statewide for governor in 2024, giving him name recognition across Montana.
Campaign Message: Emphasizing working-class economics, rural community support, and pragmatic outreach to both urban and rural voters in western Montana.
Why he might win: Strong statewide profile from the 2024 governor’s race and broad appeal to Democrats seeking a competitive challenger.
Russell Cleveland
Race: Democratic Primary — Montana’s 1st Congressional District
Current Position: Education consultant and U.S. Navy veteran
Background: Cleveland is a veteran and Montana resident campaigning on military service and community engagement.
Campaign Message: Highlights rural roots and veteran experience, aiming to appeal to independent voters and the Democratic base.
Why he might win: Military background and rural identity may resonate with Democratic primary voters prioritizing electability.
Matt Rains
Race: Democratic Primary — Montana’s 1st Congressional District
Current Position: Rancher and retired U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot
Background: A West Point graduate and Montana rancher with military leadership experience.
Campaign Message: Focused on economic development, veterans’ issues, and rural community investment.
Why he might win: Military leadership credentials and ranching background could broaden support among primary voters.
Sam Forstag
Race: Democratic Primary — Montana’s 1st Congressional District
Current Position: Former smokejumper and union leader
Background: Serves as vice president of the Forest Service Council Local 60 and is active in labor organizing.
Campaign Message: Emphasizes workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare reform, and childcare access.
Why he might win: Strong grassroots ties and union support may energize progressive primary voters.
Sam Lux
Race: Democratic Primary — Montana’s 2nd Congressional District
Current Position: Horse farrier
Background: Rural professional running in central and eastern Montana.
Campaign Message: Focused on representing rural communities and bringing local perspectives to federal policy.
Why he might win: Appeal to rural Democratic voters seeking a locally rooted candidate.
Brian Miller
Race: Democratic Primary — Montana’s 2nd Congressional District
Current Position: Attorney
Background: Practicing attorney campaigning across central and eastern Montana.
Campaign Message: Emphasizes legal experience, community advocacy, and access to services.
Why he might win: Professional background and traditional policy framing may appeal to moderate Democratic voters.
Alani Bankhead
Race: Democratic Primary — U.S. Senate
Current Position: Air Force veteran and leadership consultant
Background: Served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, including special operations assignments and senior-level protection roles.
Campaign Message: Focused on leadership, national security experience, and disciplined governance.
Why she might win: Military service and executive experience could appeal to moderate and independent-leaning Democrats.
Reilly Neill
Race: Democratic Primary — U.S. Senate
Current Position: Former Montana state representative
Background: Previously served in the Montana Legislature and has experience in state-level policymaking.
Campaign Message: Emphasizes economic justice, environmental protection, and healthcare access.
Why she might win: Legislative experience and appeal to progressive Democratic voters.
Michael Black Wolf
Race: Democratic Primary — U.S. Senate
Current Position: Tribal historic preservation officer for the Fort Belknap Indian Community
Background: Works in tribal governance and cultural preservation.
Campaign Message: Champions tribal sovereignty, rural economic development, and inclusive representation.
Why he might win: Potential to mobilize Native American voters and rural Democrats seeking broader representation.
Michael Hummert
Race: Democratic Primary — U.S. Senate
Current Position: Helena-based activist and prior candidate
Background: Previously ran in Democratic contests and focuses on Montana-centered policy concerns.
Campaign Message: Prioritizes economic development and pragmatic statewide policy solutions.
Why he might win: Familiarity with Democratic voters and appeal to moderates in a challenging statewide race.