Montana Secretary of State launches congressional campaign

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has announced her candidacy for Montana’s Western Congressional seat, making her the third prominent GOP candidate to join the crowded race for the seat being vacated by Rep. Ryan Zinke’s retirement.

“Montana deserves a fighter who delivers America First leadership, lower costs, secure borders, and unleashed energy,” Jacobsen said in a statement. “No career politicians. Just results.”

Jacobsen’s first run for office came in in 2020 when she ran for Secretary of State after serving as deputy secretary for three years. She won re-election in 2024, earning 61% of the vote, earning more than 364,000 votes — the most of any statewide candidate, including Gov. Greg Gianforte and President Donald Trump.

In the western district, Jacobsen received roughly 15,000 more votes than Rep. Zinke in 2024.

In the voiceover of Jacobsen’s announcement video, Jacobsen touts that she “wasn’t part of the political crowd,” and casts herself as not part of the establishment.

Of the three Republican candidates seeking to succeed Zinke as of Tuesday afternoon, Jacobsen has the most experience in office.

Conservative talk radio host Aaron Flint served as president of the Associated Students of the University of Montana more than two decades ago while in college; while Al Olszwewski is a former three-session legislator who is the chairman of the Flathead County GOP, and has mounted unsuccessful campaigns for Congress and governor.

While Jacobsen touts an endorsement she received in 2024 from Trump in her announcement video, the president officially endorsed Flint in a social media post on Tuesday. Flint has also picked up endorsements from three members of the congressional delegation including Zinke, as well as Gianforte, the attorney general, and the commissioner of securities and insurance.

Four Democrats and one independent have also entered the race for the congressional seat.