Former Interior Secretary Zinke wins Montana US House seat

By MATTHEW BROWN
Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Republican Ryan Zinke has prevailed over his Democratic challenger in the race for a newly-drawn Montana U.S. House district. He won Tuesday overcoming early stumbles this year, including a razor-thin victory in the primary. Zinke served previously in the House from 2015 to 2017 before leaving to join former President Donald Trump’s cabinet as Interior secretary. He resigned after less than two years amid numerous ethics investigations. Democratic challenger Monica Tranel tried to capitalize on the scandals by characterizing him as a “snake” who quit Trump’s cabinet in disgrace. Republicans have not lost a U.S. House race in Montana since 1994.