BOZEMAN—Republican Aaron Flint and Democrat Sam Forstag traded attacks and outlined sharply different approaches to affordability, energy and economic development during their first televised debate in Montana’s Western Congressional District race.
The two candidates met Thursday in Bozeman for a 30-minute forum hosted by the Montana Television Network and moderated by senior political reporter Jonathon Ambarian. The discussion covered affordability, data centers, tariffs, immigration, labor and campaign spending.
Both candidates identified the cost of living as a top concern but differed on how they would address it.
Flint emphasized expanding trades education and strengthening industries including mining, manufacturing and timber. He also reiterated his proposal for a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline tax until oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz return to January 2026 levels.
Forstag focused on housing, health care and childcare costs, arguing that federal policy should do more to lower expenses for working families. He also called for higher taxes on wealthy Americans to help fund those priorities and said he would work across party lines.
Data centers emerged as another point of disagreement. Both candidates discussed the impact of new developments on Montana’s electricity supply, water resources and economic growth, while also criticizing the influence of outside political spending in the race.
The candidates also exchanged attacks over their backgrounds and records. Flint repeatedly pointed to Forstag’s previous work as a paid lobbyist, an issue that has become a central theme of the Republican campaign. Forstag did not offer an extended response about his lobbying history during the debate.
Immigration, tariffs and labor policy also surfaced during the forum, with the candidates presenting different views on federal enforcement and economic policy.
The debate comes with less than a month remaining before Election Day as Flint and Forstag compete to succeed outgoing Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke in Montana’s western U.S. House district.