Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
43.5%
46%
Democrat
Sam Forstag
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Montana
$32.1K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
Sam Forstag is trading at 35% to win the MT-01 House winner? on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleWildland firefighter
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age32 years old (May 23, 1994)
LocationMontana
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BackgroundWildland firefighter
EducationUniversity of Montana (studied philosophy and political science)
Notable personal detailsSamuel Kelley Forstag is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Montana’s 1st Congressional District in the 2026 cycle. He has worked in wildland fire for the U.S. Forest Service, including as a smokejumper, and has been active in labor organizing. He attended the University of Montana, where he studied philosophy and political science.
SourcesShowHide
docquery.fec.govsamformontana.commtpr.orgen.wikipedia.orgfec.govprojects.montanafreepress.orgpostman.comefoservices.fec.govwebforms.fec.govdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgfilpac.comapi.open.fec.govthecandidate.comravallicounty.govreddit.comnffe.orgypradio.orgdailymontanan.comktvq.comsmokejumpers.comthebench.orgcentralhousestrategies.comravdems.commontanademocrats.orgflatheadbeacon.comscholarworks.umt.edutheorg.comkulr8.commontanarightnow.comliberalpatriot.compoliticalemails.orgmtvoters.orgafge.orgourrevolution.comcommondefense.usweareprogressives.orgc-span.orgfacebook.comms.nowmontanafreepress.orgtheguardian.combozemandailychronicle.comnbcmontana.compolitico.comnotus.orgnationalmemo.comeasternprogress.comleftvoice.orgmtstandard.cominstagram.combluevoterguide.orgendcitizensunited.orgballotready.orgcongress.govbioguideretro.congress.govhouse.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports public funding for services and opposes tax cuts for the wealthy that would reduce funding for programs like Medicaid and public services. Emphasizes protecting public-sector workers and funding for education and higher education.
Healthcare
Supports making healthcare more affordable and expanding access, including addressing behavioral health funding and Medicaid reimbursement issues. Emphasizes that working families should be able to afford basic health insurance that actually provides care.
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Immigration & Border
Supports limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and emphasizes oversight and accountability for immigration authorities while framing immigration as not a local criminal crisis. Opposes mandatory local enforcement cooperation with ICE and highlights research showing immigrants are less likely to commit crimes.
Climate & Energy
The candidate emphasizes protecting public lands and federal land-management agencies and has spoken against proposed cuts to the U.S. Forest Service; public materials and press coverage highlight his experience as a smokejumper and union leader defending public lands and agency workers but do not lay out specific climate or energy policy proposals.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 30, 2026
Sam Forstag was added to the DCCC’s Red to Blue program, a sign that Democrats see his Montana House race as competitive. He is running in the state’s open U.S. House race against Republican nominee Aaron Flint. Recent coverage also says Republican fundraising is trailing Forstag and another candidate, though details are limited.
docquery.fec.gov+55
Articles
WEWashington Examiner1 month ago
DCCC adds five candidates to 2026 'Red to Blue' midterm program
Positive
MMMissoula Missoulian2 months ago
Republican fundraising lags behind Bodnar, Forstag
Neutral
MMMissoula Missoulian6 months ago
Montana officials react to Daines' Senate retirement
Neutral
TNThe New York Times6 months ago
What Democrats Should Relearn From Obama
Neutral
Latest Polls
MT-01 House winner?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Sam Forstag currently averages 43.5%, ranking second in this race, 2.5 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 43.5%Position: secondMargin: -2.5 ptsLatest poll: 44.0% (Jun 22 - 25)Polls included: 2
Average recalculated from polls through Jun 22 - 25.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$1.4M
$1.0M
$691.4K
$345.7K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.4M
$550.1K
$832.8K
$46.3K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements