Upswing Research
50%40%30%20%10%0%
43%
Democrat
Matt Rains
MT-01 Democratic nominee?
$34.2K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleRancher
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
GenderMale
LocationMontana
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BackgroundRancher
Notable personal detailsMatthew Rains is a Montana rancher, U.S. Army veteran, and photographer who has run for and sought public office in Montana, including campaigns for U.S. House. He has been described as a Simms-area resident and a Democratic contender in Montana’s 1st Congressional District race. He previously served as chief of staff to the president of the Montana Farmers Union (2020–2025).
SourcesShowHide
fec.govmattrainsformontana.commontanarightnow.comktvq.comballotready.orgen.wikipedia.orgypradio.orgapps.montanafreepress.orgmtlowdown.compolymarket.commontanademocrats.orgthepulp.orgagr.mt.govetypeproductionstorage1.blob.core.windows.netcascadecountymt.govmt43news-business-services.commadisoncountymt.govreddit.commontanafreepress.orgmtpr.orgrevenue.mt.govmountainstatespolicy.orgbigskybusinessjournal.comnewsfromthestates.comkpax.comkulr8.comdailyinterlake.comkxlf.comaol.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgstatic.votesmart.orgdocquery.fec.govdaines.senate.govzinke.house.govforeignaffairs.house.govhistory.house.govncsl.orgflood.house.govgovinfo.govcongress.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports lowering costs for Montanans including bringing down food, housing, and property taxes while opposing tariffs that raise prices; also emphasizes protecting Medicaid and support for family farms and ranchers. Positions combine targeted tax relief with support for public programs, producing a mixed pattern on economy and taxes.
Healthcare
Supports protecting access to health care and rural hospitals and opposes cuts to Medicaid that would threaten rural clinics; calls for restoring Medicaid funding to keep clinics open and make health care affordable for Montanans.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 26, 2026
Matt Rains is being mentioned in the context of the 2026 Senate race as Democrats look for ways to compete in Republican-leaning states. Recent coverage also points to Montana officials reacting to Steve Daines’ retirement, which could reshape the race. Separate local reporting on Chester County focused on election integrity and housing issues, but it is not clear from the summaries how directly Rains is involved.
fec.gov+44
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising