Jonathan Ambarian

HELENA (KPAX) — Since Montana was divided into congressional districts again in 2022, the state’s 2 nd Congressional District has been dominated by Republicans. But while it’s been a daunting challenge for Democrats, two Democratic candidates are running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Troy Downing in the 2026 election.

The 2 nd District includes most of central and eastern Montana, including Great Falls, Helena and Billings. In 2024, Downing won election there by 32 percentage points over Democrat John Driscoll, as President Donald Trump won the district by 30 points.

In 2022, U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale won more than half the vote against two major challengers, with independent Gary Buchanan in second place and Democrat Penny Ronning in third.

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