Tulchin Research
40%30%20%10%0%
35%
Democrat
Ryan Busse
MT-01 Democratic nominee?
$33.6K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleBusinessman
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age56 years old (Feb 17, 1970)
GenderMale
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LocationMontana
BackgroundBusinessman
Notable personal detailsRyan Dean Busse is an American businessman, author and Democratic politician who worked at Kimber Manufacturing from 1995 to 2020, serving as vice president of sales. He is the author of the 2021 book "Gunfight: My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America" and was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Montana in 2024. In 2026, he is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Montana’s 1st Congressional District (MT-01).
SourcesShowHide
docquery.fec.govfec.govbusseformontana.comen.wikipedia.orgmtpr.orgprojects.montanafreepress.orgpolymarket.comapps.montanafreepress.orgoctagonai.copredictionedge.comapnews.comdemocracydocket.commontanademocrats.orgnationaltoday.comlines.compoliticalpractices.mt.govbloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.comelections.cdn.sos.ca.govsos.nebraska.govmontanaindependentnews.comdailyinterlake.commontanafreepress.orgdailymontanan.comktvh.comeenews.netgiffords.orgprospect.orgglasgowcourier.commtvoters.orgballotready.orgfoxnews.comwashingtonpost.comseattletimes.comabcnews.go.comcbsnews.comstatic.foxnews.combusiness.linkedin.comgames-cdn.washingtonpost.comcongress.govzinke.house.govdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orghistory.house.govjec.senate.govgovinfo.govtransition.fec.govforeignaffairs.house.govclerk.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports tax changes that favor working Montanans over wealthy individuals and corporations, including closing loopholes that allow the wealthy to pay lower effective rates than workers. Proposes lowering residential property tax rates and cutting taxes for small businesses and family farms while opposing tax breaks for billionaires and corporate tax loopholes.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to affordable health care, including reauthorizing/reauthorization of Medicaid expansion and opposing work requirements; emphasizes lowering prescription drug prices and expanding coverage to protect rural and Native communities. Advocates investing state resources in public health programs and holding drug companies accountable to reduce costs.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate has not published a detailed immigration platform on his campaign site; public reporting shows he has criticized Republican handling of immigration and has framed border issues as a federal responsibility while also running an ad that implied criticism of migrants working for the governor. Available public statements and reporting are limited and send mixed signals rather than a clear progressive or enforcement-first policy prescription.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports a person’s right to choose and opposes government interference in reproductive healthcare. Backs a constitutional amendment/ballot initiative to protect abortion access and pledges to veto anti-abortion restrictions. Views abortion access as a privacy and health-care decision that government should not restrict.
Climate & Energy
Candidate accepts that climate change is real and says it must be addressed with urgency and practical solutions; he supports honoring Montana’s constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment and pursuing clean/alternative energy options (including small-scale nuclear) while acknowledging continued use of fossil fuels during transition.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded background checks and strengthened red-flag laws while describing himself as a gun owner who opposes bans on assault-style rifles. Emphasizes responsible gun ownership and criticizes the firearms industry’s marketing practices. Positions combine support for certain regulations with protection of traditional gun uses like hunting and shooting.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 26, 2026
Ryan Busse is being discussed in the context of Montana’s shifting 2026 Senate race, where Democrats are facing a difficult path and may need to rely on independents or a more moderate message. The biggest recent development is Steve Daines’ decision not to seek reelection, which opens the seat and has quickly reshaped the race. Seth Bodnar has already launched an independent campaign, adding to the uncertainty around how the contest will unfold.
docquery.fec.gov+47
Articles
MMMissoula Missoulian3 months ago
Montana officials react to Daines' Senate retirement
Neutral
FNFox News3 months ago
Steve Daines won't seek reelection to Montana Senate seat
Neutral
TNThe New York Times2 months ago
What Democrats Should Relearn From Obama
Neutral
KIKalispell Inter Lake3 months ago
A great privilege to serve Montana
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$702.4K
$526.8K
$351.2K
$175.6K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$702.4K
$150.5K
$551.9K
$32.5K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements