Zinke sails to victory in U.S. House race

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana has won a second term by defeating Democratic challenger Denise Juneau.

The Whitefish Republican appealed to voters with a campaign that focused on increasing natural resources development and putting refugee resettlements on hold to ensure terrorists don't slip into the U.S.

Voters were not convinced by Juneau's criticism of Zinke for his strong ties to Donald Trump, nor her claims that Zinke's national political ambitions detracted from his service to Montana citizens.

The 55-year-old Zinke was a Navy SEAL for 23 years and a state senator before winning his current seat in 2014.

His win keeps Montana's only congressional seat in Republican hands, where it has been for nearly two decades.

Juneau was attempting to become the first Native American woman elected to Congress.

Libertarian Rick Breckenridge was trailing far behind Zinke and Juneau in early returns.

Zinke has been a strong supporter of Donald Trump and expressed interest in serving in a Trump cabinet.

The 55-year-old decorated special forces veteran has emphasized his military experience, saying the fight against terrorism has reached the nation's heartland and un-vetted refugees shouldn't be allowed into the country.

He characterized Juneau as out of step with Montana's views on gun rights and coal development, despite her claims to support both.

Democrats tried to use Zinke's aspirations against him, with a Washington, D.C.-based political committee sinking almost $500,000 into anti-Zinke advertisements that derided his ambitions for more influential office.

Juneau, 49, says her eight years as the state's school chief gave her the experience needed to deliver results for Montana in Congress. She warned that Zinke wants to sell of public lands, a charge he denied.

A member of the Mandan Hidatsa tribes, Juneau grew up in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. She is Montana's first openly gay federal candidate, a distinction that has given her celebrity status among young progressives.

The race has been the most expensive House campaign in the state's recent history with more than $8.5 million poured into the contest, much of it from out-of-state political committees and donors.

Zinke outspent Juneau more than two-to-one, a fundraising advantage that he chalked up to support from military families and political committees that advocate for corporate interests.

More than 80 percent of his donations came from out of state.