Zinke announces intention to not seek re-election

WHITEFISH — In a statement issued by his office on Monday, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he will not seek re-election at the end of his fourth term.

"I do not take this decision lightly and have informed President Trump, the Governor, and senior leadership of this difficult but necessary decision," Zinke said in a letter dated March 2.

He has served Montana's 1st Congressional District since 2023.

Zinke wrote that he had "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," Zinke wrote. "My judgment 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."

He concluded by calling it "a great privilege" to serve Montana while becoming the first U.S. Navy SEAL to serve in both the State Senate and the U.S. House and the first Montanan to serve as a Cabinet secretary.