Montana’s Carpenters Union Local 82 endorsed Republican congressional candidate Aaron Flint during a construction site tour at the new Bretz RV warehouse in Butte, with members of the Ironworkers Union also joining to show their support — a notable show of organized labor backing for a Republican in a race rated Likely Republican by Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.
Flint, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, fifth-generation Montanan and longtime conservative radio host, won the Republican primary in June with President Donald Trump’s endorsement. He is seeking to succeed retiring Rep. Ryan Zinke in Montana’s western congressional district.
Flint faces Democrat Sam Forstag in the November general election. Forstag grew up in Portland, Oregon, before moving to Missoula to attend the University of Montana. He later worked as a union organizer and registered lobbyist and has been involved in LGBTQ advocacy.
Forstag has drawn support from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He has also been endorsed by his aunt, Democratic Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada. The endorsements highlight the political contrast between Forstag and Flint, whose coalition includes Trump and prominent Montana Republicans.
Joel Worth, a representative for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, said the union was proud to back Flint because of his commitment to apprenticeship programs, the Davis-Bacon Act and ensuring workers earn livable wages with strong benefits.
Flint joined union leaders and workers at the Butte job site to see their work firsthand and discuss how Congress can support apprenticeships and employers that invest in workforce training. He said expanding Montana’s skilled workforce could help lower construction costs, strengthen the middle class and create more opportunities for Montanans to build careers without leaving the state.
“These are good-paying jobs that China can’t steal and AI can’t replace,” Flint said. “Montana needs more good-paying jobs that allow people to raise a family, start a small business, and build a future here at home. I am committed to expanding apprenticeships and supporting employers that invest in trades education. That will strengthen our workforce, lower construction costs, and create more opportunities for Montana workers.”
The union endorsements add to a coalition behind Flint that already includes Trump, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Greg Gianforte and Montana’s congressional delegation. The support from organized labor is particularly notable in a race where Forstag’s own political background includes work as a union organizer.