MISSOULA, Mont. - Congressman Ryan Zinke will not seek reelection for a fourth term in Montana's first Congressional District. The Republican who has had a storied career will make it official Monday as the filing deadline looms.
Zinke announced he will serve the remainder of his term.
Zinke is a fifth generation Montana, with a military background and service in the state senate, he took that to DC for the first time in 2014, running for the at-large seat, he then served as the Interior Secretary and President Donald Trump’s first administration, now currently he serves as the representative for the first congressional district.
In D.C. he is currently a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and in his previous terms served on the House Armed Services Committee and Natural Resources Committee.
He regularly challenged the Obama administration on their policies in relation to public lands and introduced legislation to strengthen public access.
Currently a republican has not announced their intent to run.
"Ryan Zinke served Montana and our country with honor and distinction for four decades," Senator Steve Daines said in a statement Monday. "From 23 years as a Navy SEAL, where he earned the Bronze Star, to his time in the Montana Senate, as Secretary of Interior in the first Trump administration and in the U.S. House, Ryan Zinke fought for Montana values and worked every day to ensure Montana will always be the 'last best place.' I have known Ryan since we were in high school. We attended Montana Boys State in Dillon together in 1979. He was a Whitefish Bulldog and I was a Bozeman Hawk. His desire to serve his country was evident back then. Cindy and I thank both he and Lola for their service to our state and our nation and wish him all the best in his retirement."
Governor Greg Gianforte also sent NonStop Local a statement, saying, "Ryan Zinke has been a champion for Montana and the United States throughout his career of dedicated service as a U.S. Navy SEAL, a Montana state senator, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior. He’s been an outspoken advocate for Montanans and our values from protecting public lands to restoring accountability in the federal government. Thank you, Ryan and Lola, for your many years of public service to the state of Montana.
“Commander Zinke is a great American who dedicated his life to serving our nation and delivering results for Montanans. A fellow Navy SEAL and public servant, he has been a role model, mentor, and friend. Montana owes him a huge debt of gratitude, and he will be deeply missed in the halls of Congress," Tim Sheehy said in a statement.
Represenative Troy Downing sent this statement to NonStop Local on Zinke's retirement: “For over 30 years, Commander Zinke has served his country with integrity, responsibility, and honor. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside Ryan while fighting for Montanans in Washington—from protecting our public lands to supporting our farmers and ranchers. Time and again, he has gone to bat for the Treasure State, always putting Montana first. As he and Lola begin their next chapter, Heather and I wish them nothing but the very best. Our state is stronger because of his leadership and service. Montanans will miss having such a steadfast warrior on their team. Thank you for your service, Commander.”
You can read the full letter from the Congressman below:
“It has been my highest honor to serve America and the Great State of Montana as a U.S. Navy SEAL Commander, State Senator, Congressman, and the 52nd Secretary of the Interior. It has been my privilege to fight on the front lines defending freedom, faith, family, and the values that make America and Montana strong. Battles are not fought alone, and with your support we have unleashed America’s energy potential, removed excessive regulation, lowered taxes, passed the Great American Outdoors Act to repair and preserve our National Parks and Forests, and saved our treasured public lands from being sold to the highest bidder.
“We have also secured critical funding for Montana bridges, roads, sewer systems, water infrastructure, public access points, conservation projects, and helped thousands of Montanans successfully navigate through the federal bureaucracy to solve real problems that matter to the people that I am honored to represent. Service is a duty that I will always hold sacred, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
“As for my service and duty going forward, I have made the decision to leave office at the end of my fourth term and not seek re-election. I do not take this decision lightly and have informed President Trump, the Governor, and senior leadership of this difficult but necessary decision.
“While my belief in term limits for elected office is a consideration, I have 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 my wife Lola and my family. 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.
“It has been a great privilege to serve Montana and our great Nation as the first U.S. Navy SEAL to serve in the State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first Montanan to serve as a Cabinet Secretary. May God Bless Montana and all those who defend her.”
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