On Monday Montana's Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he won't seek reelection, causing a shake-up among Republicans. The former Interior secretary blamed health issues for his exit, revealing he's been through "multiple surgeries" since returning to Congress in 2023 to repair injuries from his Navy SEAL days, Politico reported. In a letter, Zinke clarified his injuries are not life threatening and added, "the repair cannot be deferred any longer and recovery will require considerable time with Lola and the family.” Zinke also wrote, “my judgement and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes.” Zinke joins a handful of GOP members who are retiring ahead of the midterms. Although Republicans brace for elections with their razor-thin majority, Montana's 1st District just became a potential Democratic pickup opportunity. Party operatives had already been circling the district before Zinke's announcement.
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