Midterm elections are still months away, but the race for Montana’s western congressional district is already heating up.

If the hope among Democrats for a decisive blue wave in the 2026 midterms has a chance of coming to pass, the party would likely have to win difficult House contests in redder parts of the country. Montana's 1st Congressional District may prove to be the test case for whether that can happen.

A Missoula smokejumper and union leader has entered the race for the western U.S. House district. A U.S. Air Force veteran and leadership coach is now in the race for one of Montana’s U.S. Senate seats.

Montana is once again in an election year. But chances are the election hasn’t felt as ever-present this time around.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - There’s a number of significant issues and federal positions at stake in the 2026 midterm. The most-watched race in the region will be for Montana’s Senate seat as Senator Steve Daines’ seat is up. Montana also has two house seats up for election, currently held by Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke.