Trump Backs Montana Politician for Reelection
President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Rep. Troy Downing.
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he endorsed Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT-02) for reelection in 2026.
The president said Downing is “doing a truly fantastic job” representing people in Montana’s Second District.
“Troy bravely served our great country in the U.S. Air Force as a combat veteran and in Congress, he is fighting tirelessly to support our farmers and ranchers, champion American energy dominance by helping keep the price of gasoline, oil, and all forms of energy very low,” Trump said on Truth Social.
In addition, Trump highlighted Downing’s efforts to secure America’s border, strengthen the country’s military and protect its Second Amendment.
“Troy Downing has my Complete and Total Endorsement for re-election – He will never let you down!” the president said.
After receiving his backing, Downing said he was honored to have the president’s “complete and total endorsement.”
“America first, always,” Downing added.
This marks the second time that Trump endorsed Downing in a congressional race. In 2024, the president supported Downing in his race, saying that he would represent the state's values in Congress.
Downing went on to defeat Democratic candidate John Driscoll by receiving 66 percent of the vote.
The first-time Montana congressman has not officially announced whether he will run for reelection.
During his short time in office so far, Downing has made an impact. The representative’s first-ever piece of legislation, HR 931, was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
HR 931 permits the mining of certain minerals in Montana’s Bull Mountains.
On the House floor last week, Downing said that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was a win for America and Montana.
“Our legislation delivers historic tax cuts, secures our borders, strengthens key programs for future generations, eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse, and sets the country on a path toward fiscal responsibility,” Downing explained.
“I am pleased that the final bill reflected my efforts to keep the Bull Mountains Mine operational and to remove a provision authorizing the sale of public lands. Our work is not done, but Republicans will not rest until this once-in-a-generation legislation is signed by the President,” he added.
The House passed this act last week, 215-214. It now heads over to the Senate.
- - -
Zachery Schmidt is the founder of The Montana Chronicles. If you have any tips, please send them to montanachronicles@proton.me.
Photo “Troy Downing and Donald Trump” by Congressman Troy Downing.