Daines announced that he will not seek re-election, coming just one day after Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) revealed his retirement from Congress. Zinke, a former Navy SEAL, has undergone several surgeries “quietly” since January 2023, which have prevented him from participating in House votes. He mentioned in a Tuesday statement that he is facing more surgeries in the future.
Zinke decided to step down to ensure “full-time representation in Congress” and to avoid the risk of “uncertain absences and missed votes.” Along with former Trump, Zinke has endorsed Montana radio host Aaron Flint as his successor.
