Montana politics rarely make ripples in the national pool, unless it’s a GOP politician fist-bumping or body-slamming his way to notoriety. But in 2022, Montana’s newly minted Western Congressional District warrants some national attention, especially with Democratic control of the U.S. House of Representatives hanging in the balance.
Monica Tranel is the Democratic candidate running for Montana’s U.S. House District 1. If you don’t know much about Monica, prepared to be impressed. She was raised with 9 siblings on a ranch in eastern Montana. She twice competed as an Olympian, winning a World Championship Gold for the United States Women’s Rowing Team. She is a practicing attorney specializing in energy and environmental law. Her clients are consumers, ranchers, and landowners fighting against powerful corporations. See for yourself, meet Monica:
Monica’s Republican opponent is the ethically-challenged Ryan Zinke. Yes, that Ryan Zinke — the guy with less than one term under his belt as Montana’s at-large U.S. Representative (2015-2017) before he was installed as U.S. Interior Secretary under TFG. Zinke infamously resigned as Interior Secretary while under scrutiny for no less than 18 federal ethics investigations. Zinke may have the name recognition and a fat war chest, but he barely eked out a win in the 1st District Republican primary over Al Olszewski (41.7%-39.8%) — and that was with the endorsements of TFG, Governor Gianforte, and Senator Daines.
Montanans know there’s something stinky about Zinke. Perhaps it’s all those lingering ethics investigations, or his 2nd quarter campaign funding report showing 95% of donations coming from out-of-state billionaire executives, lobbyists, and corporate PACs. Montanans have a strong tradition of standing up to corporate power and greed, and fighting to keep dark money out of state politics. Even Montana Republicans recognize the stench of outside special interests looking to buy Montana’s new Congressional seat.
In contrast, Monica is running a grassroots campaign of small donors comprised mostly of Montanans, and doesn’t accept corporate PAC donations. In fact, her career as an attorney with the Montana Public Service Commission, Montana Consumer Counsel, and in private practice has focused on holding corporations accountable to fair taxation, environmental justice, and fair consumer practices.
Each time I see Monica on the campaign trail I’m struck by her integrity, grit, and tenacious work ethic. She’s got an authentic populist vibe that cuts through party labels. She’s talks about how Montanans in the not-too-distant past didn’t vote for parties; they voted for people. This is great messaging that resonates with a populace willing to elect Blue Dog Democrats like Jon Tester and Steve Bullock.
Monica supports progressive Democratic issues too, including investments in clean renewable energy, safe and legal abortion access for women, creating early childhood education programs, building economic fairness, protecting Social Security and healthcare, and keeping Montana’s public lands in public hands. Her thoughtful stances on issues can be found at Monica Tranel for Congress.
Alongside Beto O’Rourke, Monica has got to be one of the hardest working politicians of the 2022 cycle. She seems to be everywhere – at county fairs, parades, meet & greets, rodeos, festivals, pro-choice rallies, and just last week, her first debate with Zinke and Libertarian candidate John Lamb in Missoula. Monica has invited her opponents to a total of 18 debates before the November general election, but Zinke has thus far ducked all but one future candidate forum.
Montana’s new 1st Congressional District offers a competitive chance for Democrats to pick up a House seat (hello DCCC? DNC?). The new “mountain” district includes the population centers of blue-leaning Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, and the Flathead and Blackfeet Indian Reservations. Western Montanans have a great opportunity to elect a hard-working leader who will “bring the engine room to Washington DC” and create opportunity and a sustainable future for all Montanans.
If you’re so inclined, please support Monica Tranel for Congress!