Zinke Wins Western Congressional District • Daily Montanan

Incumbent Republican Ryan Zinke was called the winner over challenger Democrat Monica Tranel by the Associated Press early Wednesday.

The race is a rematch from 2022.

In a social media post, Zinke said he was proud of his re-election.

As of Wednesday, Zinke had 53% of the vote, or 142,657, and Tranel had 44%, or 119,005. Libertarian Dennis Hayes had 7,870.

The candidates competed to represent Montana's Western Congressional District.

Zinke, the incumbent, served as Interior secretary under President Donald Trump's administration and is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and 2016.

Tranel is a Missoula attorney and former Olympic rower who has run aggressive campaigns.

She has touted her victory in an energy cost case that left $8 million in the pockets of NorthWestern Energy consumers as evidence that she is fighting to win.

The energy supplier had asked its customers to cover the costs of replacement electricity, but failed.

During the past election, Zinke was dogged by federal ethics investigations related to his activities as Interior secretary, which found he had engaged in questionable behavior.

Zinke described the investigation as politically motivated.

In 2022, Zinke won with 49.6% of the vote. Tranel lost with 46.4% of the vote. Libertarian John Lamb received 3.9%.

Democrats have hoped to win this election season by putting redistricting and a constitutional initiative protecting abortion on the ballot.

However, as results came in late Tuesday, Republicans showed they still had strong support in Montana.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Zinke.