Get ready for the primary election night on June 4 as the race for Montana’s second Congressional district heats up. This district, commonly known as the Eastern House seat, will see 12 candidates vying for victory. The results of the primary race will determine the Republican and Democratic candidates who will compete in the November election.
Geographically, this House district is one of the largest in the contiguous United States. In the 2024 primary election in Montana, this district, which includes Billings, Great Falls, Helena, the Hi Line, five American Indian reservations, and all of Eastern Montana, boasts the most candidates running for a single seat on the ballot.
Among the 12 candidates, eight are Republicans and four are Democrats, all aiming to fill the seat currently held by outgoing two-term Republican Congressman Matt Rosendale.
Rosendale, who won re-election to the seat in 2022, initially planned to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Tester this year. However, he later withdrew from the Senate race and announced his intention to seek re-election to his House seat. This decision set off a 10-way Republican primary, which saw Rosendale ultimately dropping out of the race.
In a March interview with Yellowstone Public Radio, Rep. Rosendale cited exhaustion as the reason for his withdrawal, stating, “I’m tired, my tank is empty, I’m out of gas, it’s time for me to come home.”
With a crowded primary field, candidates have been working to differentiate themselves. Yellowstone Public Radio asked the candidates to complete a detailed Q&A, and links to these articles are available alongside candidate interviews.
While the Democratic candidates number only four in this primary race, they face a challenging contest as every county in the 2022 House election in this district was won by the Republican candidate. During a primary debate hosted by the Montana Farmers Union in early May, candidates were asked how they planned to flip the district from red to blue.
In alphabetical order, here are the Democratic candidates and their responses to this question:
“I’m in this race because I have a vision for the future that includes my family and my community. I bring a wealth of experience from my college and business career, and most importantly, a heart full of dedication,” said Ming Cabrera, a retired businessman from Billings. Q&A: Ming Cabrera, Democratic candidate for U.S. House District 02
“Eastern Montana isn’t more conservative than the Bitterroot Valley where I was first elected to the state legislature. I believe in honesty, respect, and authenticity in connecting with voters,” said John Driscoll, an Army veteran and former Montana legislator from Helena. Q&A: John Driscoll, Democratic candidate for U.S. House District 02
“As a committed candidate for the long haul, I believe in building a future for our state that requires experience and dedication. I am that candidate who can make a difference,” said Kevin Hamm, a business owner in Helena. Q&A: Kevin Hamm, Democratic candidate for U.S. House District 02
“Agriculture transcends party lines, and as a fourth-generation Montana rancher, I understand the concerns of our community. My candidacy has garnered bipartisan support,” said Steve Held, a rancher and actor from Broadus. Q&A: Steve Held, Democratic candidate for U.S. House District 02
On the Republican side, the competition is fierce with eight candidates running for the same House seat. Here is a brief overview of each Republican candidate, along with their motivations for running, as shared in interviews with YPR.
In alphabetical order, the Republican candidates are:
Elsie Arntzen, a former teacher and outgoing superintendent of public instruction based in Helena, did not respond to interview requests from Yellowstone Public Radio. Q&A: Elsie Arntzen, Republican candidate for U.S. House District 02
Kyle Austin, a pharmacist from Billings who grew up on a farm in Havre, aims to address healthcare and insurance challenges in Washington D.C. Q&A: Kyle Austin, Republican candidate for U.S. House District 02
Ken Bogner, a state Senator and Marine Corps veteran from Miles City, is focused on national security issues. Q&A: Ken Bogner, Republican candidate for U.S. House District 02
Troy Downing, an Air Force veteran, businessman, and outgoing state auditor based in Helena, did not respond to interview requests from Yellowstone Public Radio. Q&A: Troy Downing, Republican candidate for U.S. House District 02
Ric Holden, a rancher and former state senator from Dawson County Montana, is driven by concerns about national security and immigration. Q&A: Ric Holden, Republican candidate for U.S. House District 02
Joel Krautter, a lawyer and former Montana House representative in Billings, is focused on bringing new leadership to Washington. Q&A: Joel Krautter, Republican candidate for U.S. House District 02
Denny Rehberg, a six-term US Congressman and business owner in Billings, emphasized the need for change in Washington. Rehberg did not participate in the Q&A.
Stacy Zinn, a retired DEA agent from Billings, highlighted the chaos in the world as a motivation for her candidacy. Q&A: Stacy Zinn, Republican candidate for U.S. House District 02
Although there will be nine names on the Republican primary ballot, Ed Walker, a businessman from Billings, has suspended his campaign, stating that he is not actively campaigning for the seat.
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