Zinke wins reelection, again defeating Tranel

WHITEFISH — Voters on Tuesday reelected Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke to the U.S. House, as he again defeated challenger Monica Tranel for Montana's western district seat.

The Associated Press called the race early Wednesday morning.

Zinke, a Whitefish resident, said he looks forward to working with President Donald Trump and others to make gas and groceries affordable again.

“Montanans are hurting because the failed Democrat policies that have driven high inflation, low workforce participation, and high interest rates,” Zinke said in a statement. “Montana made it clear that enough is enough.”

Nearly 100 people joined the Republican congressman in Whitefish on Tuesday night, basking in the red, white and blue balloons adoring the dining room of Grouse Mountain Lodge's Logan’s Grill. Signs emblazoned with slogans like “Make America Great Again, Again!,” “Send the SEALs,” and “Warriors for Zinke” lined the walls alongside banners in support of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy and former President Donald Trump.  

"We're feeling good," Zinke told the crowd just before midnight. "We're outperforming where we should."

Zinke’s team on Tuesday, before the polls closed, said that internal polling shows Zinke leading Tranel beyond the margin of error.  

"As a military commander I didn't care whether you were a Republican or Democrat," he said before all votes were tallied. "I don't care now, but I do care if you love this country." 

Among those in attendance Tuesday evening were Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson, county commissioners Brad Abell and Randy Brodehl, and state Rep. Courtenay Sprunger. Zinke, dressed in a suit and a black cowboy hat, strode in just before 7:30 p.m.  

Attendees began to file in at 7 p.m., many wearing a large array of Zinke or Trump merchandise.  

“Fight. Fight. Fight.” Zinke posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday morning. “Tonight we take our country back.” 

Zinke, from Whitefish, was first elected to Congress in 2014. A retired U.S. Navy SEAL — like Sheehy —  he went on to serve as interior secretary under the Trump administration. He resigned from the position following a federal investigation into reports he had misused his position and failed to comply with ethical obligations.  

After being reelected to the House in 2022, Zinke joined the House Committee on Appropriations. 

This is Tranel’s second congressional campaign. Originally from eastern Montana, Tranel is a former Olympic rower and attorney. Tranel spent election night at the Union Club in Missoula. 

“People are ready for change. Montana deserves representation that listens to you. Polls are open until 8 PM — make sure you vote!,” Tranel posted on X on Tuesday. 

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.