Patriotic Millionaires Champion: Sam Forstag (MT-01)

Sam Forstag is running in the Democratic primary for Montana's 1st district, which is an open seat following Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke's retirement. This is an R+5 seat that has been featured on the DCCC's Red to Blue list for several cycles now. While it's long been a top priority pickup opportunity for Democrats, this is our best shot at flipping the seat in years since the incumbent retired.

Sam is a first time candidate who works as a smokejumper—a first responder for wildfires in the remote wilderness of Montana. He blends a working class profile with strong and explicit support for populist priorities, including the priorities of Patriotic Millionaires: taxing the rich, raising the minimum wage, and getting corporate PAC money out of our politics.

Despite starting with the lowest name recognition, Sam's raised more than $450,000 so far since jumping in last quarter; has endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, organized labor, and local officials in Montana; and is building an impressive coalition that appeals to both the left of the Democratic Party and disaffected Trump voters.

Sam is being outraised by one other candidate, and the primary is coming up soon on June 2nd, but we have all the confidence that he can win with a little help. Sam is a strong champion for our priorities and Patriotic Millionaires is proud to endorse his campaign.