Endorsed by Montana Leadership: Ryan Zinke, Greg Gianforte, Tim Sheehy, Troy Downing, Austin Knudsen
(KALISPELL, MT) Today, retired Lieutenant Colonel and longtime Montana broadcaster, Aaron Flint, launched his campaign for Montana’s first congressional district. Flint seeks to succeed incumbent Congressman Ryan Zinke who announced his retirement after four terms. In 2024, Zinke won reelection by more than 8-points, and Donald Trump carried the district by 12-points. Recent independent polling found Ryan Zinke leading the crowded Democrat field outside the margin of error.
Flint enters the race with endorsements from Congressman Ryan Zinke, Governor Greg Gianforte, Montana U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, Eastern Montana Congressman Troy Downing, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, State Auditor Jim Brown, and several other leaders across the district.
“Every day I talk to Montanans and hear the same thing; folks are working harder than ever but they are falling behind. Homes are getting harder to afford, a degree isn’t worth anything anymore, our communities are changing, and not always for the better,” said Aaron Flint, Republican candidate for congress. “After the first year of this administration, we’re seeing some good things starting to happen out of Washington. Wages are outpacing inflation – no tax on tips and overtime pay. But we know if Democrats take back Congress; they’ll put their hand right back in your tip jar and tax your Social Security. They want to force their values on us. Raise taxes and higherspending, bring in sanctuary cities, let men in little girls’ bathrooms, and fence off our public lands. I’m running for Congress to stop them in their tracks.”
Flint continued: “I remember watching the smoke rise from the Pentagon on 9/11; I was pissed off and powerless. I decided then to move back home and enlist in the Army and ROTC at U of M. Less than a year later, I had my infantry cord and went on to serve another 20 years. When Charlie Kirk was assassinated for exercising our First Amendment rights, I was pissed off- but not powerless. This is our turning point, America’s 250th birthday. We have a responsibility to the next generation, and Montana, to get in this fight right now and make sure that America remains a free Republic for another 250 years.”
“Aaron is a decorated combat veteran, a strong America First Conservative, a lifelong advocate for our Montana way of life, and is the next generation leader for Montana,” said Congressman Ryan Zinke. “When our country needed him after the September 11th terrorist attacks, Aaron raised his hand to serve. Now when Montana needs him again, he’s ready to serve. He has my complete and total endorsement.”
“For more than 30 years, Ryan Zinke selflessly served Montana and the United States. Ryan served us well as Secretary of the Interior and Congressman and his leadership will be missed,” said Governor Greg Gianforte. “Going forward I’m excited to endorse Aaron Flint for Congress. Aaron has served our country in uniform and is a strong voice for our conservative values. He is the next generation of leadership Montana needs and I look forward to voting for him in November.”
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy said, “I fully endorse Aaron Flint for Congress. He is a proven fighter, who has served his country on the battlefield and has been a strong voice for Montana Values across our airwaves. He will be an outstanding representative for our Great State!”
“Aaron Flint has been a consistent, unapologetic voice for Montana values. As a decorated combat veteran, he led his platoon with grit, discipline, and integrity. I know he’ll bring that same steady leadership to Congress,” said Congressman Troy Downing. “He understands duty, accountability, and what it means to fight for the people you represent. Aaron Flint is ready to serve again, I’m happy to have another fellow combat vet to work beside me. He has my full endorsement as our next MT01 Representative.”