Sam Forstag: Democratic Nominee for Montana’s 1st Congressional District

Background and Professional Experience

Sam Forstag is a Missoula-based smokejumper with the U.S. Forest Service and an active union leader representing wildland firefighters. Raised by a mother who worked extra nursing shifts and a father who relied on food assistance, Forstag emphasizes his working-class roots and advocacy for working Montanans Source 3.

2026 Primary Victory

On June 3, 2026, Forstag declared victory in the Democratic primary for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, defeating three opponents—including a narrow win over Ryan Busse—roughly 13 hours after polls closed Source 1. He received an endorsement from the National Federation of Federal Employees–IAM (NFFE-IAM) Source 5.

Campaign Priorities

Forstag’s key issues include public education funding, support for libraries, strong labor protections, wildfire-fighter safety, affordable healthcare, and rural economic development. Between fire seasons, he serves as a legislative organizer focused on state-level policy and grassroots outreach across western Montana Source 9.

Path to the General Election

As the official Democratic nominee for MT-01 in the 2026 U.S. House race, Forstag is preparing for the November general election against the Republican nominee while building coalitions among labor, education, and rural communities. Learn more at samformontana.com Source 10.