# Sam Forstag Runs for Congress After Wildfire Work

> Ex-smokejumper Sam Forstag, 32, runs for Montana's 1st congressional district after wildfire work and union leadership.
- Title: Sam Forstag Runs for Congress After Wildfire Work | Shortify
- Summary: Ex-smokejumper Sam Forstag, 32, runs for Montana's 1st congressional district after wildfire work and union leadership. Sam Forstag, a former smokejumper, is…
- Keywords: sam forstag, montana, congress, wildfire, unions, democrats, nfl, elections, economic policy, working class, Sam, Forstag
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/sam-forstag-former-smokejumper-congress-montana-1235642613
- Author: Josh Eells
- Published: 2026-10-15T16:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sam forstag, montana, congress, wildfire, unions, democrats, nfl, elections, economic policy, working class
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Sam Forstag, a former smokejumper, is running for Montana's 1st congressional district to address working-class economic struggles.