Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) announced on Monday he will not run for reelection, the latest House Republican to retire ahead of the midterms.
The former Interior secretary said in a letter to constituents released on Monday that health issues motivated his decision to leave Washington. Zinke said he’s undergone “multiple surgeries” since returning to Congress in 2023 to correct injuries sustained during his time as a Navy SEAL.
“The injuries sustained from a career in Special Operations are not immediately life threatening, but the repair cannot be deferred any longer and recovery will require considerable time with Lola and the family,” Zinke said in the letter. “My judgement and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes.”
Zinke’s decision to wait until next year to leave Washington will likely be viewed as a gift to House Republican leadership, as they navigate the duration of the current Congress with a slim majority.
His retirement could make Montana’s 1st District more competitive for Democrats in November. House Democrats had been targeting the district prior to Zinke’s announcement.
