Flathead musician Rob Quist seeks to fill Rep. Zinke's seat

Rob Quist, a Cut Bank native and longtime Flathead Valley performer, will seek the Democratic nomination in the potential upcoming special election to replace Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont.

Zinke was announced last month as President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of the Interior. If confirmed by the Senate, Zinke would have to vacate his U.S. House seat, setting up a special election to serve out the remainder of his term.

Quist, who turns 69 today, has never run for or held political office, but said he has received support from friends, family and former politicians — including former Gov. Brian Schweitzer — while considering a jump into politics.

“This has been no small position for me,” Quist said. “I’m in the presence of people who I really respect who asked me consider doing this.

“I thought about it and realized that in many ways I’ve been representing Montana for years.”

A songwriter, singer and poet, Quist has worked closely with a number of community organizations connected to the arts. He has been a member of the Montana Arts Council for 11 years, and serves on the board of the Crown of the Continent guitar festival and the Share Your Voice foundation.

Despite his inexperience as a politician, Quist said he is devoted to seeking and, potentially, serving in office and claimed he has been “energized” by the decision.

“I really feel like each of us needs to ask ourselves, ‘how may I serve?’” he said. “This just feels right to me now.”

Quist grew up on a ranch in Cut Bank and his family owns and operates a horse ranch outside Kalispell. He cited his experience in the farming and ranching community as one of his most valuable political assets, along with a passion for the arts and his years spent connecting with Montanans through his performances.

“I bring a unique situation,” he said. “Being a product of Montana as I am, I feel like I can stand for all of Montana and not just the Democratic Party.

“I think I can be a voice for all of Montana. That’s who I am as a person.”

Quist’s children, Guthrie and Halladay, are also accomplished musicians and the elder Quist said he’s received nothing but encouragement from those closest to him.

His wife, Bonni, “was on board even before I was,” he said.

If and when Zinke vacates his House seat, state law requires Gov. Steve Bullock to set a date for a special election within 85 to 100 days of the vacancy. Each party must then select a nominee at least 75 days before the election.

After filing his name, Quist would begin campaigning against Democrats with more name-recognition in the political realm.

The Montana Democratic Party’s rules call for a special convention to be held in the event of a vacancy. Members of the state party’s central committee vote for the nominee.

Quist’s campaign has launched a website at www.robquistformontana.com.

Entertainment editor Andy Viano can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.