Sam Forstag at rally

Sam Forstag, 32, a former smokejumper, speaks at a Missoula rally about economic policy and budget cuts.

“I’m feeling hopeful. They’re scared, and they’re spending money like it.”

Forstag's congressional run

Forstag runs for Montana’s 1st congressional district, aiming to be the first Democrat elected since 1994.

Forstag's background

Forstag grew up in Portland, Oregon, and worked three jobs while at the University of Montana.

Smokejumper experience

Forstag spent four summers parachuting into wildfires across the U.S., making $15 an hour.

Union leadership

Forstag became vice president of his labor union, NFFE Local 60, with 800 members.

Musk's impact

Elon Musk’s DOGE fired 360 Forest Service workers, including Forstag’s friend undergoing cancer treatment.

Forstag's message

Forstag argues that working-class people should afford housing, healthcare, childcare, and retirement without financial strain.

Political opponents

Forstag faces Republican opponent Aaron Flint after Ryan Zinke retired from the race.

Election stakes

Forstag resigned from his smokejumping job to run, losing health insurance and retirement savings.

Forstag's vision

Forstag wants to work on committees like Natural Resources or Agriculture to help working-class Montanans.

What happens next

If Forstag wins, he’ll be the first Democrat elected to Congress from Montana since 1994.

Forstag's challenge

Forstag faces a tough race against Republican Aaron Flint in Montana’s 1st congressional district.

Forstag's background

Forstag worked as a smokejumper for five years, making $15 an hour with no health insurance.

Forstag's message

Forstag says the working class should have the right to work one job and afford basic needs without financial strain.

Forstag's resignation

Forstag resigned from his smokejumping job after losing health insurance and retirement savings.