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Montana Republicans Pick Gianforte to Run for Zinke’s Seat

Ran for governor in 2016

Greg Gianforte is Montana Republicans' choice to replace former Rep. Ryan Zinke after Zinke's selection as Secretary of Interior. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Greg Gianforte is Montana Republicans' choice to replace former Rep. Ryan Zinke after Zinke's selection as Secretary of Interior. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Montana Republicans have nominated their nominee for governor last year to run for the state’s at-large House seat.

Greg Gianforte received the majority of delegate votes at the party’s nominating convention in Helena. Gianforte will run against Democrat Rob Quist for the seat vacated by Ryan Zinke, who was tapped by President Donald Trump to be secretary of Interior.

“Montanans can count on me to stand up to the special interests and join President Trump in the fight to drain the swamp and give this country back to the people,” Gianforte said.

Gianforte ran for governor in 2016, but lost to incumbent Democrat Steve Bullock.

The National Republican Congressional Committee wasted no time trying to tie Quist, a musician who was endorsed by former Gov. Brian Schwieker, to national Democrats

[GOP Super PAC Goes on Air Against Montana Democrat]

“Montana needs a leader in the House who will work together with President Trump and Secretary Zinke to create jobs and opportunity for Montana families — not a Nancy Pelosi clone in a cowboy hat,” NRCC Chairman Rep. Steve Stivers said in a statement.

Montana Democrats tried to portray Gianforte as out of touch and called highlighted his loss in the gubernatorial race.

“Montanans made it clear to New Jersey millionaire Greg Gianforte in November that our state is not for sale,” Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Nancy Keenan said in a statement. “We’re confident they’ll make it clear him again on May 25.”

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