Bozeman Democrat Tom Woods is dropping out of the race for Montana’s only congressional seat because he’s not raised enough money to continue a competitive campaign.
Woods made his announcement to supporters on social media. He says making the decision to drop out wasn’t easy.
“It’s about the money. There’s a few folks of folks in the race here who have raised about 10 to 15 times as much money as I have and we’re heading to a time in the race where you really have to start spending money on media and I just don’t have it."
Woods says he received about $30,000 in campaign contributions since he announced his candidacy last October. He’s a teacher and a self-described progressive who was using his campaign to promote expanded Medicare for all Americans, human rights and fighting big money in politics. Woods is considering running for re-election to represent Bozeman in the Montana House, but he wishes the pay was a little higher.
“I calculate it out to about $4 an hour to spend about 90 days away from my family. Although I do love the policy work, I love working across the aisle. I enjoy the work but it is not a good job," Woods says.
There are four other Democrats still running in an attempt to unseat Montana’s Republican incumbent congressman Greg Gianforte.