Former Trump Cabinet secretary Ryan Zinke announced he will not seek reelection to a fifth term in Montana's House seat, citing health concerns and the need for full-time representation.

This is breaking news and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Governor Greg Gianforte praised Zinke as a champion for Montana, noting his service as a Navy SEAL and in politics.

Zinke, a Navy SEAL and former Montana legislator, was elected to Congress in 2014, served as interior secretary from 2017 to 2018 amid ethics investigations, and returned to win reelection in 2022 and 2024.

Zinke's retirement adds to a wave of Republican retirements ahead of a potentially difficult midterm cycle, with more than 30 GOP members already announcing they will not seek reelection.

Montana's 2nd District sits in a narrowly balanced House picture with Republicans holding a slim 218-214-3 edge and no tie-breaker in the chamber, underscoring challenges for maintaining the majority.

Zinke said the decision came after careful consideration and that he notified President Trump, the Governor, and senior leadership of his plans.

He cited ongoing surgeries and missed votes as reasons for stepping down, and said term limits influenced his choice.

With the filing deadline approaching, the open Montana seat will be contested in a district that will be up for grabs after Zinke's departure.

Zinke resigned from the Interior role amid ethics investigations.

In a letter to constituents, Zinke said his condition requires significant recovery time and could cause missed votes if he continued campaigning.

Democrats have eyed the seat as a potential pickup, with candidates such as Ryan Busse and Sam Forstag already seeking to challenge Zinke, reflecting an outside chance in a state that has trended more Republican.