Bozeman Daily Chronicle | by Dan Astin Chronicle Staff Writer
Bozeman, Montana – Ryan Busse, a former firearms executive and author, is betting name recognition and experience from his unsuccessful 2024 gubernatorial race can set him apart from three fellow 1st Congressional District Democratic primary contenders.
Busse, 55, who lives outside of Kalispell, is the most recent candidate from the group after throwing his hat in the ring to topple Montana Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke on Jan. 8. Smokejumper Sam Forstag and ranchers Matt Raines and Russell Cleveland also are bidding to unseat Zinke.
It’s time (Montana) has someone experienced and serious,” Busse said. “Now is not the time to run an experiment. Winners govern and losers go home. The most important thing is that we win the primary, win the election, and we select somebody that can beat Zinke. We are in such a critical time in the country that I don’t think we should have someone learning on the job.
Combined, the congressional contenders comprise the largest 1st Congressional District Democratic candidate pool since Montana gained a second U.S. House district in 2022. The 2022 primary election comprised three Democratic candidates. Monica Tranel, a lawyer and former Olympic rower, was sole Democrat aspirant in 2024.
“I’m in this because I can beat Zinke, because I have the momentum to do it,” Busse said. “It’s really critical that we win back the (congressional) majority, and that somebody represent Montana. I think this is the cycle to do it.”
Democrats have not gained congressional representation in Montana since 1994. Busse only received 39% of the vote to 59% from incumbent Gov. Greg Gianforte in the 2024 race, according to the Montana Secretary of State.
Busse blamed outside influence from the parallel Jon Tester vs. Tim Sheehy Senate race, in which the incumbent Democrat was unseated by the Republican.
“Because of the Senate race that was happening at the same time as our gubernatorial (race), it was frustrating,” Busse said, adding that national interests pushing for Tester’s reelection and Sheehy’s nomination outcompeted his campaign’s ability to purchase television advertising space.
“We were very confident in our message. We knew that we could sway people and yet there was no possible way to do it, because it was the most expensive election in the nation’s history per capita. I think it was just a rough, kind of feverish partisan cycle that didn’t allow us to extend the message the way we want. I think that’s going to be different this time.”
The Tester-Sheehy race set a record as the most expensive Senate election per voter in U.S. history. More than $300 million was spent, around $500 per active voter.
“People were upset by that,” Busse said. “I was kind of upset. I didn’t want to get another mailer at my house.”
Busse said the 2026 race could balloon into a marquee election within weeks.
He pointed out he attended 187 campaign events during the 2024 race. Citing 70% name recognition among Montanans, Busse stated there is little doubt he can win.
A proponent of the “nonstop” campaign, Busse traveled to Hamilton on Tuesday night, Missoula on Wednesday, and Bozeman on Thursday to talk to voters.
“We’re raising good money,” he said, declining to reveal how much.
Busse said he is accepting funds from leadership PACs, Montana-based groups, and other non-corporate organizations, although his campaign is not accepting corporate PAC money.
Busse stopped by the Chronicle on Thursday to talk about a variety of issues.
Universal healthcare: “I haven’t spoken to a group of voters that isn’t deathly afraid of what is going on with healthcare and healthcare expense,” said Busse, who proposes universal healthcare, a national system for all U.S. residents to access medical services without financial hardship. “If we can have trillionaires in this country that fly their rockets into space with their friends, I think we can have (universal) healthcare.”
Second Amendment: A former firearms industry executive at Kimber America with two decades of experience, Busse reaffirmed he is a proud proponent of Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.
“I remain a proud gun owner,” he said before referencing the shooting of Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs intensive care nurse, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis on Jan. 24. “Where are the calls of criticism from the Republican majority and Ryan Zinke on ICE or people getting killed in Minneapolis?
Identity politics: “I’ve literally spent no time on it,” Busse said when asked about the Democratic Party’s social agenda. “I believe in the basic dignity and freedom of every individual in this state. I also believe everyone has a right to be able to afford to live here, have healthcare and experience their public lands. It’s those last three that I’m going to be focused on fighting (for).”
Affordability: “My promise is to be focused every time on every vote for affordability,” Busse said, avoiding singular policy proposals. “I’m OK with being opposed to transferring wealth upwards, not making it easier on wealthier people.
I think a lot of folks, understandably in 2024 were frustrated with inflation and the economy. Democrats and Republicans, they were frustrated. They believed when they voted for Ryan Zinke or Steve Daines that their lives were going to be made better, that their circumstances were going to improve, that their costs were going to go down.”
