MISSOULA, Mont. (KECI) — Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke will not seek reelection in the state’s 1st Congressional District, setting up an open race as the filing deadline approaches.
Zinke, a Republican, said he will serve the remainder of his term.
The following was sent out by Montana U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke:
It has been my highest honor to serve America and the Great State of Montana as a U.S. Navy SEAL Commander, State Senator, Congressman, and the 52d Secretary of the Interior. It has been my privilege to fight on the front lines defending freedom, faith, family, and the values that make America and Montana strong.
Battles are not fought alone, and with your support we have unleashed America’s energy potential, removed excessive regulation, lowered taxes, passed the Great American Outdoors Act to repair and preserve our National Parks and Forests, and saved our treasured public lands from being sold to the highest bidder.
We have also secured critical funding for Montana bridges, roads, sewer systems, water infrastructure, public access points, conservation projects, and helped thousands of Montanans successfully navigate through the Federal bureaucracy to solve real problems that matter to the people that I am honored to represent. Service is a duty that I will always hold sacred, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
As for my service and duty going forward, I have made the decision to leave office at the end of my fourth term and not seek re-election. I do not take this decision lightly and have informed President Trump, the Governor, and senior leadership of this difficult but necessary decision.
While my belief in Term Limits for elected office is a consideration, I have quietly undergone multiple surgeries since I returned to Congress and unfortunately face several more immediately after leaving office. The injuries sustained from a career in Special Operations are not immediately life threatening, but the repair cannot be deferred any longer and recovery will require considerable time with Lola and the family. My judgement and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes.
It has been a great privilege to serve Montana and our great Nation as the first U.S. Navy SEAL to serve in the State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first Montanan to serve as a Cabinet Secretary.
The following statement was sent out by Rep. Troy Downing:
Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following Congressman Ryan Zinke’s retirement.
“For over 30 years, Commander Zinke has served his country with integrity, responsibility, and honor,” said Congressman Downing. “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside Ryan while fighting for Montanans in Washington—from protecting our public lands to supporting our farmers and ranchers. Time and again, he has gone to bat for the Treasure State, always putting Montana first.
“As he and Lola begin their next chapter, Heather and I wish them nothing but the very best. Our state is stronger because of his leadership and service. Montanans will miss having such a steadfast warrior on their team. Thank you for your service, Commander.”
The following was sent out by the Office of Governor Gianforte:
Governor Greg Gianforte today released the following statement on Ryan Zinke’s announced retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives:
“Ryan Zinke has been a champion for Montana and the United States throughout his career of dedicated service as a U.S. Navy SEAL, a Montana state senator, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior. He’s been an outspoken advocate for Montanans and our values from protecting public lands to restoring accountability in the federal government. Thank you, Ryan and Lola, for your many years of public service to the State of Montana.”
National Headline
