U.S. House, Montana 1st Congressional District · November 3, 2026
Who should I vote for in Montana's 1st Congressional District?
Aaron Flint has the strongest record in Montana's 1st Congressional District. Aaron Flint scores 60 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Sam Forstag at 55, as of October 5, 2026. Aaron Flint's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Sam Forstag's highest marks are command of the job and communication. Nick Sheedy (3 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Republican
Strongest record
Aaron Flint
60 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 70
- Performance
- 50
Democratic
Sam Forstag
55 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 60
- Performance
- 50
Libertarian
Nick Sheedy
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 3 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Aaron Flint
- On the record2026-03
Entered the race on March 2, 2026, the day Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he would not run again, with Zinke's endorsement and, a day later, President Trump's.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, NonStop Local (montanarightnow.com), March 2, 2026
- On the record2026-09-29
A NonStop Local Truth Tracker review on Sept. 29, 2026 found his ad's claim that Forstag lobbied to let men play women's sports needs context; Forstag lobbied against the 2021 bill for the ACLU.
Source: NonStop Local (montanarightnow.com) Truth Tracker, Sept. 29, 2026
- On the record2025
Moved from his longtime home in Billings, in the Eastern District, to Kalispell in summer 2025 and still owns a Billings home, which his disclosure lists as a rental property.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10075448
- On the record2024
Was paid more than $5,000 by Americans for Prosperity Montana for a 2024 statewide tour of more than 100 events, per his own House financial disclosure.
Source: House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10075448
- On the record2009 to 2026
Hosted the statewide Montana Talks radio program on Townsquare Media's KBUL in Billings for about 17 years, and went on leave from the station in March 2026 after filing for Congress.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10075448, NBC Montana, 2026, Montana Free Press 2026 Election Guide, Aaron Flint
- On the recordlate 1990s to 2001
Worked in Sen. Conrad Burns's Washington office from age 19, later as his legislative aide for energy policy, and left to join the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, NBC Montana, 2026
- Credit2002 to 2024
Served in the Army National Guard and Reserves from 2002 to 2024, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and was awarded two Bronze Stars, as reported by Montana Free Press.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, Ballotpedia, Aaron Flint (Montana)
Sam Forstag
- On the record2026-09-16
On Sept. 16, 2026 the Flint campaign released documents alleging he earned hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying; his campaign said the figures were fees paid to his former company, not personal income.
- On the record2026-09-04
Was endorsed on Sept. 4, 2026 by Marc Racicot, Republican former Montana governor and former Republican National Committee chairman.
Source: MS NOW, Sept. 4, 2026
- On the record2026-07-28
Joined a July 2026 End Citizens United town hall in Bozeman after accepting its 'Unrig Washington' program, which asks candidates to reject corporate PAC money and support a congressional stock trading ban.
Source: NBC Montana, July 29, 2026
- On the record2021 to 2024
Was a registered Montana lobbyist for the ACLU of Montana and others between fire seasons, and a partner in Central House Strategies until April 2024, with clients including the cities of Missoula, Bozeman and Belgrade.
Sources: House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10076924, Fox News, July 15, 2026, NonStop Local (montanarightnow.com) Truth Tracker, Sept. 29, 2026, MS NOW, Sept. 4, 2026
- On the record2017 to 2025
Worked about eight years as a U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter, the last four as a Missoula smokejumper, earning $103,318 from the agency in 2025, and served as vice president of NFFE Local 60.
Sources: KPAX (MTN News), June 2026, House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10076924, The Guardian, Feb. 20, 2026
Nick Sheedy
- On the record2026-03
Filed March 4, 2026 as the Libertarian candidate for U.S. House District 1 from Columbia Falls and advanced without a primary after the Libertarian primary was canceled.
Sources: Montana Secretary of State candidate filing list, 2026, Ballotpedia, Nick Sheedy
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Aaron Flint. Candidate financial disclosure report is on file with the House Clerk, filed June 2, 2026. FEC reports are on file through June 30, 2026. No FEC administrative fine and no Montana Commissioner of Political Practices complaint found.
Sources: House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10075448, FEC administrative fines search, Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, docket of formal complaints (no entry naming Flint)
Sam Forstag. Candidate financial disclosure report is on file with the House Clerk, filed May 11, 2026. FEC reports are on file through June 30, 2026. No FEC administrative fine and no Montana Commissioner of Political Practices complaint found.
Sources: House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10076924, FEC administrative fines search, Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, docket of formal complaints (no entry naming Forstag)
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Aaron Flint. No public record found.
Sam Forstag. No public record found.
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Aaron Flint. Took part in the April 21, 2026 Republican primary debate in Bozeman and the April 1, 2026 Mineral County forum, and took reporters' questions at an Oct. 2026 Missoula rally. No general election debate reported as of Oct. 5, 2026.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 21, 2026, Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, NonStop Local (montanarightnow.com), Oct. 1, 2026
Sam Forstag. Took part in the March 10, 2026 Democratic primary debate in Butte and a July 2026 public town hall in Bozeman with former Sen. Jon Tester. No general election debate reported as of Oct. 5, 2026.
Sources: Daily Montanan via Yahoo News, March 11, 2026, NBC Montana, July 29, 2026
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Aaron Flint. Served in the Army National Guard and Reserves from 2002 to 2024 with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and hosted a statewide radio program for about 17 years. No formal conduct finding found.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Aaron Flint (Montana), Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, docket of formal complaints (no entry naming Flint)
Sam Forstag. Eight years as a U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter, including four as a smokejumper, and vice president of National Federation of Federal Employees Local 60. No formal conduct finding found.
Sources: KPAX (MTN News), June 2026, Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, docket of formal complaints (no entry naming Forstag)
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Aaron Flint. Served more than 20 years in the Army National Guard and Reserves, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. No official finding of misuse of office and no recorded action to reject certified results found.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, Ballotpedia, Aaron Flint (Montana)
Sam Forstag. Served about eight years as a federal employee of the U.S. Forest Service, which paid him $103,318 in 2025 per his House disclosure. No official finding of misuse of office and no recorded action to reject certified results found.
Sources: House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10076924, The Guardian, Feb. 20, 2026
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Aaron Flint. More than 20 years in the Army National Guard and Reserves, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, two Bronze Stars; earlier a legislative aide to Sen. Conrad Burns and state director for a Montana U.S. House member. No elected office.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, Ballotpedia, Aaron Flint (Montana)
Sam Forstag. Eight years as a Forest Service wildland firefighter and smokejumper, vice president of NFFE Local 60, and a partner in the government affairs firm Central House Strategies until April 2024. Has not held elected office.
Sources: KPAX (MTN News), June 2026, House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10076924, Ballotpedia, Sam Forstag
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Aaron Flint. Published issue pages and questionnaire answers name specific federal measures, including the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, the HELPER Act, a balanced budget amendment, no pay during a shutdown and a ban on congressional stock trading.
Sources: Campaign site, Issues, Montana Free Press 2026 Election Guide, Aaron Flint
Sam Forstag. Published policy pages and questionnaire answers name specific federal measures, including a Medicare buy-in, the Social Security Expansion Act, scrapping the Social Security contribution cap, a first-time homebuyer tax credit and a ban on hedge fund purchases of homes.
Sources: Campaign site, Policies, Ballotpedia, Sam Forstag, candidate survey, Montana Free Press, Oct. 5, 2026
Nick Sheedy. Published positions in general terms through the Montana Free Press March 2026 questionnaire, including strengthening the War Powers Resolution, monetary reform and federal legislation on campaign contributions.
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Aaron Flint. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey and the Montana Free Press March 2026 questionnaire, answered the MTFP October 2026 affordability question, took part in the April 21, 2026 debate and publishes issue pages.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Aaron Flint (Montana), Montana Free Press 2026 Election Guide, Aaron Flint, Montana Free Press, Oct. 5, 2026, Montana Public Radio, April 23, 2026
Sam Forstag. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey and the Montana Free Press March 2026 questionnaire, gave a Montana Public Radio candidate interview, took part in the March 10, 2026 debate and a July 2026 town hall, and publishes policy pages.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Sam Forstag, Montana Free Press 2026 Election Guide, Sam Forstag, Montana Public Radio, March 31, 2026, NBC Montana, July 29, 2026
Nick Sheedy. Answered the Montana Free Press March 2026 candidate questionnaire. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey and did not respond to MTFP's October 2026 affordability question.
Sources: Montana Free Press 2026 Election Guide, Nick Sheedy, Ballotpedia, Nick Sheedy, Montana Free Press, Oct. 5, 2026
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Aaron Flint. Grandson of Glasgow newspaper publishers who grew up in Glasgow and the Flathead, lived in Billings and moved to Kalispell in 2025. FEC by-state totals for 2025 to 2026 show about 49 percent of itemized individual contributions from Montana.
Sources: Montana Free Press, April 13, 2026, NonStop Local (montanarightnow.com), March 2, 2026, FEC contribution totals by state
Sam Forstag. Lives in Missoula, where his House disclosure lists his primary residence and his Secretary of State filing gives a Missoula address. FEC by-state totals for 2025 to 2026 show about 28 percent of itemized individual contributions from Montana.
Sources: House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10076924, Montana Secretary of State candidate filing list, 2026, FEC contribution totals by state
Nick Sheedy. Secretary of State filing gives a Columbia Falls address, inside the district.
Source: Montana Secretary of State candidate filing list, 2026
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Aaron Flint. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, showing $1,303,393.72 raised. No FEC administrative fine record found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Sam Forstag. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, showing $1,382,873.30 raised. No FEC administrative fine record found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Aaron Flint. No public record found.
Sam Forstag. No public record found.
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Aaron Flint. No public record found.
Sam Forstag. No public record found.
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Aaron Flint. No public record found.
Sam Forstag. No public record found.
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Aaron Flint. Montana's Carpenters Union Local 82 endorsed him, per a Billings Gazette photo caption dated Oct. 1, 2026.
Sam Forstag. Endorsed in September 2026 by Marc Racicot, a Republican former Montana governor and former Republican National Committee chairman.
Source: MS NOW, Sept. 4, 2026
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Aaron Flint. No public record found.
Sam Forstag. No public record found.
Nick Sheedy. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 5, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in Montana's 1st Congressional District?
Aaron Flint has the strongest record in Montana's 1st Congressional District. Aaron Flint scores 60 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Sam Forstag at 55, as of October 5, 2026. Aaron Flint's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Sam Forstag's highest marks are command of the job and communication. Nick Sheedy (3 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in Montana's 1st Congressional District in 2026?
Aaron Flint (Republican), Sam Forstag (Democratic), Nick Sheedy (Libertarian). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Aaron Flint a good candidate for Congress?
Aaron Flint scores 60 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 70 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Sam Forstag a good candidate for Congress?
Sam Forstag scores 55 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 60 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Nick Sheedy a good candidate for Congress?
Nick Sheedy has public evidence on 3 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Montana race scored, the trailing candidate's path to victory, and the Montana 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.