The Congressional “Red Wave” That Never Was

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 10, 2022

CONTACT
press@montanademocrats.org

Incumbent Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke Put Up Anemic Numbers

Helena, MT – As of Thursday, the Montana congressional races have been called for Ryan Zinke in MT01 and Representative Matt Rosendale in MT02. Despite waiting over day for final results in MT01, there is one takeaway that was immediately clear: the Congressional Red Wave the Republicans promised did not materialize.

Ryan Zinke won his races with a stunningly low margin, despite having name recognition, despite favorable national electoral conditions for Republicans, despite a R+6.9 map, and despite outraising his opponent three to one, funded by out-of-state PACs and special interests. Ryan Zinke underperformed Donald Trump’s 2020 performance by 4 points.

The truth is more people voted against Ryan Zinke than for him.

Incumbent Matt Rosendale faced a substantial block of opposition in the eastern district as well, despite having a favorable map, despite favorable national electoral conditions for Republicans, and despite outraising his opponents combined fundraising more than three to one. In 2020, Donald Trump won the Eastern district by 26.9 points. Matt Rosendale underperformed Trump by 6 points.

“Republicans went into last night touting a wave that didn't appear. If there’s any evidence that Montana Republicans have underperformed tonight, this is Exhibit A: in a year like this, Republicans should have had comfortable wins in MT01 and MT02,” said Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Sheila Hogan. “More people voted against Ryan Zinke than for him, in what should have been an easy district to carry. Rosendale is underperforming Trump by nearly 6 points in one of the most conservative districts in the country. These results should make the Montana GOP very nervous about their top-of-ticket strength.”

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