Busse Leads in Fundraising Dem Primary

The Democratic field in Montana’s western congressional district produced a competitive fundraising quarter, with three candidates separating themselves from the rest and two distinct donor coalitions taking shape.

Gun control advocate and former MSNBC commentator Ryan Busse led all candidates in the race with $530,043 raised, the highest total of any candidate in the district. Busse received contributions from both of New Mexico’s Democratic senators’ PACs and logged 600 individual contributions, more than half from Montana addresses. He carries $368,145 in cash on hand.

Busse lost the 2024 Governor race to Greg Gianforte by 20%.

LGBTQ activist and union lobbyist Samuel Forstag raised $449,612 — close behind Busse — and led the entire field in small-dollar donations at $237,070. Forstag has the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Senator Bernie Sanders. His itemized contributions came from 400 individuals, with roughly half from Montana addresses. He holds $212,542 in cash on hand.

Russell Cleveland raised $129,969, he carries no cash on hand and roughly $20,000 in debt, nearly all of it for childcare costs.

Matthew Rains raised $101,565 and has $42,000 in debt and has no cash on hand.

Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the general election race as likely Republican.

By: Politics406 staff