Radio Host Aaron Flint Announces Run for Congress in Montana’s 1st District

Reaction continues to come in over a major development in Montana politics, with yesterday's announcement by Representative Ryan Zinke that he will NOT seek another term this fall.

There had been some indications something was developing, when Zinke hadn't filed his campaign paperwork in Helena by Friday afternoon.

In a letter to constituents yesterday, Zinke explained that "health issues", related to surgery for injuries he suffered while serving as a Navy SEAL, were behind the decision to step down.

He explained the injuries aren't life threatening, but "repair cannot be deferred any longer and recovery will require considerable time" for his wife and family.

Senator Steve Daines, noting he'd known Zinke since they were in high school, praised Zinke's for serving with "honor and distinction", not only in Congress, but as a Navy SEAL.

Senator Tim Sheehy says Montana owes Zinke a "deep debt of gratitude" for his service. And Governor Greg Gianforte said Zinke had been a "champion for Montana."

The decision throws an entirely new spin on the race for Montana's 1st Congressional District, with two Republicans entering the race. Former State Senator Al Olszewski, who ran unsuccessfully for Senate, Governor and the House in recent years filed his paperwork.

Montana Radio Host Aaron Flint Announces Run for Congress

And Montana Talk's host Aaron Flint also announcing he'll seek the GOP nomination in the June Primary, saying he'd been encouraged to enter the race. Aaron retired as a Lt. Colonel with over 20 years of service in the Army National Guard/Reserve and has deep roots in Montana.

Another candidate running for the Republican nomination is a former state senator and orthopedic surgeon from Kalispell, Al Olszewski.

Four Democrats had already filed. Russell Cleveland of St. Regis, Matt Rains of Missoula and Ryan Busse, also from Missoula, all filed on the first day. Busse had run for Governor previously.

The other Democrat is wildland firefighter Sam Forstag, making his first foray into politics.

Candidate filing closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.