KALISPELL — A familiar face in Montana politics was voted in for another term as Congressman Ryan Zinke defeated Monica Tranel for Montana's Western Congressional District.
Zinke and his supporters gathered at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish on Tuesday night as votes rolled in.
The incumbent Republican defeated Tranel for the second time. He won 53% to 44% on Nov. 5, after winning the 2022 election matchup by 4%.
Zinke said his message resonates with Montana voters.
"I think both sides of the aisle Montanans understand that we need a border, the economy has to be one where you could be able to afford a home, let's bring down energy costs and let's get to work."
Zinke said a priority during his next term is focusing on rural infrastructure improvements in Montana.
"I sit on Appropriations, and I can tell you that across Montana, rural Montana when it comes to water, sewer, roads, bridges, is lagging behind, and it's hard to have an affordable house if you don't have a sewer system."
Zinke served as Secretary of the Interior from 2017 to 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and is eager to work with Trump again.
"You know I believe with Trump, and now you have three combat veterans and a son of a marine going to Washington D.C., I have to believe with that combination Montana is going to have a voice."
Monica Tranel issued this statement Wednesday evening:
"Thank you, Montana.
Today is challenging, in Montana and across our great nation. This is not the result we wanted but, in a democracy, the values we worked for – affordable housing, childcare, the healthcare we need – are not decided by one election or one campaign. Moral courage is seeing a matter through, especially after a setback. We must continue to see our values through, for our children, and our children’s children. As you have walked with me in this campaign over the many miles, I will walk with you, always, in seeing these matters through for the community I love and call home.
To all of you who believed in me, who invested in me, who voted for me, knocked on doors, made phone calls, and showed up, thank you. You inspired me. Together, we gave Montana a choice.
To the next generation of Montanans – thank you for making your voice heard. Thank you to the young woman who drove 5 hours yesterday to make your vote count. Thank you to everyone who stood in line, to participate in democracy. Your voice matters. Know that you have been heard, and know that real change, lasting change, begins with showing up.
This election is not the last word, but an opening line in your chapter of our democracy story.
Now, we the people must be the guardians of democracy. We the people must hold our elected leaders accountable and demand transparency.
To my family, thank you for being on this journey with me. Your love sustained me through the many miles I traveled.
Thank you, Montana, my forever home."
