New Poll Shows Zinke SMOKES Dems in Critical Western Montana Race

The first legitimate poll of the 2026 elections shows Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT01) trouncing his potential Democrat opponents in the critical Western Montana race.

Zinke's campaign manager Heather Swift noted on X that the new poll did not come from the Zinke campaign, and the poll highlights that Zinke has a “substantial lead over two Democratic primary candidates.' Failed candidate for governor Ryan Busse is underperforming Zinke’s perennial opponent Monica Tranel who lost by 8-points last year."

Jacob Rubashkin, Deputy Editor of Inside Elections, was first to share the poll by prominent pollster Peak Insights last week.

Meanwhile, if you haven't been following the other political news for the 2026 elections here in Montana...ousted Democrat Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are looking for retribution following their big loss to Navy SEAL vet and now US Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT). They're openly recruiting University of Montana President (who has now stepped down) Seth Bodnar to run as an "Independent" in the Senate race. Tester has been telling Democrats that the Democrat label is no "poison" and so Bodnar needs to run as an "Independent."

Conservatives have already released an attack ad on Bodnar's record as UM President. And the race is already getting attention nationally, with conservative influencers highlighting Bodnar's connections to prominent Democrats.

Graham Allen on X: "Let me get this straight… So Seth Bodnar who cozied up next to Michelle Obama… And THEN allowed a man to compete as a woman at a D1 university… Is running as an “independent” for Senate in Montana because Schumer told him to?!? HECK NO!!! WAKE UP MONTANA. THEY ARE TRYING TO FLIP A SEAT."