Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., told a reporter on Monday that President Donald Trump’s endorsements in the U.S. House and Senate races will ensure Montana remains a red state.
Speaking on “Wake Up America” with co-hosts Sharla McBride and Marc Lotter, Zinke expressed confidence that Republican candidates backed by Trump will win Tuesday’s Montana primary elections and maintain the GOP’s control of the state’s federal delegation.
Zinke, who is retiring from Congress and not seeking reelection, has endorsed former conservative radio host and decorated military veteran Aaron Flint to succeed him in Montana’s western congressional district.
“Aaron Flint has Trump’s endorsement. He has mine,” Zinke said. “As a SEAL, you never leave your post unless properly relieved. That means you find a replacement that is equal or greater talent. I think Aaron Flint is just that person.”
Zinke highlighted Flint’s military service, including two Bronze Stars, and his prominence in conservative media, while emphasizing the importance of Trump’s support in Republican primaries.
“Clearly Aaron Flint has Trump’s endorsement,” Zinke said, adding that the president’s backing remains a powerful force across the country.
Montana’s House race is expected to draw national attention as Republicans seek to maintain their narrow majority in Washington. Zinke acknowledged that Republicans cannot take any seat for granted.
“I think the House will retain the majority in the Republican Party, but we’re going to have to earn every yard,” he said.
The congressman was equally bullish on the Senate contest, where Republican candidate Kurt Alme has emerged as a leading contender and has also received Trump’s endorsement.
“Kurt is a professional. He’s a Montanan. Enormously talented,” Zinke said. “Montana is red, and we are turning more red as we go through time.”
According to Zinke, demographic shifts that some Democrats hoped would make Montana more competitive have instead strengthened Republican dominance.
While critics have long warned that an influx of residents from liberal West Coast states could alter Montana’s political landscape, Zinke argued the opposite has occurred.
“We got a lot more refugees than we do missionaries,” he said, referring to newcomers fleeing states such as California, Oregon, and Washington. “We are turning more red.”
Zinke pointed to Republicans’ control of statewide offices and legislative majorities as evidence of Montana’s continued rightward trend.
“Montana goes with President Trump,” he said. “And it’s going to go with Kurt Alme as the next senator.”
With Trump’s endorsements carrying significant weight among Republican voters, Montana Republicans are optimistic the state will continue serving as a reliable stronghold for the America First movement heading into November.
