Montana Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke announced his retirement from Congress on Monday and hours later offered his “complete and total endorsement” to conservative talk radio host Aaron Flint.
Flint, who previously served as Zinke’s state director, also claimed early support from fellow Montana Republicans Sen. Tim Sheehy and Rep. Troy Downing.
Zinke will leave behind a deep legacy on energy and environment issue, and the race to replace him promises to touch on contentious public land and resource development matters.
“Aaron is a decorated combat veteran, a strong America First Conservative, a lifelong advocate for our Montana way of life, and is the next generation of leadership Montana needs,” Zinke wrote on X, where he also reposted Flint’s campaign announcement which warns that the “gun grabbing socialists are on the march in Western Montana.”
