Forstag Projected to Flip Montana House Seat

Democrat Sam Forstag was projected to defeat Republican Aaron Flint in Montana’s 1st Congressional District, flipping a seat Republicans had been favored to hold and ending a two-decade stretch without a Democrat representing Montana in the U.S. House. Forstag, a former wildland firefighter and union leader, campaigned on representing working people and received labor endorsements; Flint was backed by national Republican leaders. The race drew increased attention after analysts shifted it to a toss-up, while critics highlighted Forstag’s lobbying work. Early results showed Forstag ahead, and reports said Flint had conceded, though the Associated Press had not officially called the race at the time of publication.