From the Washington Examiner: Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) is retiring after this year and will not seek another term in the House of Representatives, joining a mass exodus of Republicans opting out of reelection to seek another office or leave politics altogether.
Zinke has represented Montana’s 1st Congressional District since 2023, previously serving as interior secretary during President Donald Trump‘s first administration from March 2017 to January 2019.
He said in a letter reported by Montana Right Now that he not only believes in term limits but has “quietly undergone multiple surgeries” for injuries he sustained while serving in the military, and he must “face several more immediately after leaving office.”
“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 my wife Lola and my family,” Zinke said.
“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 explained.
Zinke posted a letter to the People of Montana on social media Monday afternoon. He wrote:
“It has been my highest honor to serve America and the Great State of Montana. We have secured critical funding for Montana bridges, roads, sewer systems, water infrastructure, public access points, conservation projects, and helped thousands of Montanans successfully navigate through the federal bureaucracy to solve real problems that matter to the people that I am honored to represent.
“Service is a duty that I will always hold sacred, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. As for my service and duty going forward, I have made the decision to leave office at the end of my fourth term and not seek re-election. Full statement below.”
It has been my highest honor to serve America and the Great State of Montana. We have secured critical funding for Montana bridges, roads, sewer systems, water infrastructure, public access points, conservation projects, and helped thousands of Montanans successfully navigate… pic.twitter.com/HFuhr6D33v
— Rep Ryan Zinke (@RepRyanZinke) March 2, 2026
READ MORE from the Washington Examiner.
BREAKING: Montana GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he will not run for reelection, the latest House Republican to retire ahead of the midterms.https://t.co/DDBzTBBjm5
— POLITICO (@politico) March 2, 2026
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