Former Trump Cabinet Secretary Ryan Zinke Won't Seek Reelection to Montana U.S. House Seat

Zinke cites health concerns in decision not to run for a fifth term

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ryan Zinke, a Montana Republican who served as interior secretary during President Donald Trump's first administration, announced he will not seek reelection to a fifth term in the U.S. House, citing health concerns. Zinke's decision gives Democrats a chance to pick up a House seat in a state that has trended more conservative in recent years.

Why it matters

Zinke's departure creates an open seat in Montana's congressional district, which could be a pickup opportunity for Democrats in a narrowly divided House of Representatives. His decision also marks the end of a political career that included serving in the Trump administration and winning multiple House elections.

The details

Zinke, a former Navy SEAL, said in a letter to constituents that he had undergone multiple surgeries in recent years and faces more from injuries sustained during his time in the military. He said his condition, which he did not specify, was not life-threatening but required considerable time for recovery. Zinke served four years in the Montana Legislature before being elected to the U.S. House in 2014. He was tapped as Trump's interior secretary in 2017 but resigned in 2018 amid numerous ethics investigations. Zinke's political career bounced back in 2022 when he narrowly won in a newly created congressional district in western Montana.

  • Zinke was elected to the U.S. House in 2014.
  • Zinke served as interior secretary under President Trump from 2017 to 2018.
  • Zinke narrowly won reelection in Montana's newly created congressional district in 2022.
  • Zinke won reelection again in 2024 by a comfortable margin.

The players

Ryan Zinke

A Montana Republican who served as interior secretary during President Donald Trump's first administration and is currently a U.S. Representative from Montana.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who appointed Zinke as interior secretary.

Greg Gianforte

The Republican governor of Montana who won a special House election to fill Zinke's seat after he joined Trump's Cabinet.

Ryan Busse

A Democrat who had lined up to challenge Zinke in the November election.

Sam Forstag

A union organizer who is a Democratic candidate challenging Zinke.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ryan Zinke, U.S. Representative (The Washington Times)

“Ryan Zinke quit because he saw what was coming: all of us. People in western Montana are hungry for new leadership.”

— Sam Forstag, Democratic Candidate (The Washington Times)

“Ryan Zinke has been a champion for Montana, first as a SEAL and later in politics.”

— Greg Gianforte, Governor of Montana (The Washington Times)

What’s next

Several Democrats have already lined up to challenge Zinke's successor in the November election, including former gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse and union organizer Sam Forstag.

The takeaway

Zinke's decision not to seek reelection creates an open congressional seat in Montana, which could be a pickup opportunity for Democrats in a narrowly divided House of Representatives. His departure also marks the end of a political career that included serving in the Trump administration and winning multiple House elections.