John Driscoll, a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in far eastern Montana, is campaigning in a solidly Republican district with rural areas that lean towards the GOP. Despite this, Driscoll is meeting voters who are excited to see a Democrat in person for the first time in a while. On the Republican side, Troy Downing won the nomination and is expected to win the general election by a wide margin.
Driscoll and Downing both prioritize the energy transition, with a focus on addressing the closure of the Absaloka mine and the future of the Colstrip power plant. Driscoll supports small modular nuclear reactors as a solution, while Downing advocates for keeping fossil fuels in play while exploring new energy sources.
Both candidates recognize the importance of water to agriculture in eastern Montana and prioritize supporting farmers and ranchers to ensure food security. They both draw on their military experience to form their positions on international conflicts, with Downing standing with Israel and Driscoll expressing concern about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As the election approaches, both candidates are working to connect with voters and address their concerns, including challenges around border security and crime in the district. While Downing is focusing on building relationships and being an effective representative from day one, Driscoll is navigating the unique political landscape of the district, facing both welcoming encounters and hostile reactions from voters.
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