Montana’s Rep. Ryan Zinke is hanging up his congressional hat, announcing Monday he won’t seek reelection in what’s shaping up to be a major shake-up for House Republicans.
The former Interior secretary blamed health woes for his exit, revealing he’s been through “multiple surgeries” since returning to Congress in 2023 to repair injuries from his Navy SEAL days, Politico reported.
“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 said in the letter. “My judgement 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.”
Zinke’s departure marks another House GOP retirement as Republicans brace for the midterms with their razor-thin majority. His decision to wait until next year to leave town is being seen as a lifeline for Republican leadership trying to keep the ship steady.
However, Montana’s 1st District just became a potential Democratic pickup opportunity. Party operatives had already been circling the district before Zinke’s announcement.
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