Sam Forstag is the Democratic nominee for Montana's 1st Congressional District, having won a hard-fought four-way primary on June 2, 2026, with 37% of the vote over former gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse (33%), Russ Cleveland (22%), and Matt Rains. He will face Republican radio host Aaron Flint and Libertarian Nick Sheedy in November for the open seat being vacated by Rep. Ryan Zinke, who chose not to seek re-election citing health concerns. If Forstag wins, it would be the first time in nearly 30 years that a Democrat has represented Montana in the U.S. House.

Forstag studied philosophy and political science at the University of Montana and went on to spend eight years as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service, including several years as a smokejumper parachuting into remote areas to fight fires before they grow. He became a union leader, serving as vice president of National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) Local 60, representing federal workers. Raised largely by a single mother who worked extra nursing shifts to make ends meet, Forstag has said he has personally worked multiple jobs at a time and still struggled to afford rent.

When DOGE-led federal budget cuts threatened more than 300 Forest Service positions across Montana, Forstag organized community rallies and public forums and fought in court to protect those workers. He has also personally donated to a handful of Republican primary candidates in state legislative races over the years, saying he prioritizes people over party. He has been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez -- who campaigned with him in the campaign's final days -- the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, Our Revolution, and Montana Conservation Voters.