Democrats competing for Montana’s open U.S. Senate seat met on the debate stage for the first time in Helena. The widening wealth gap is one of the top issues in they discussed.

A Democratic candidate drops out of the race after allegations of sexual abuse. Rep. Ryan Zinke criticizes President Trump and a Republican candidate. And Democratic House candidates take swipes over dark money and data centers.

MTPR is interviewing candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR's Shaylee Ragar Ragar spoke with Al Olszewski, a Republican running for Montana's western U.S. House seat.

MTPR is interviewing candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR's Shaylee speaks with Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, a Republican running for Montana's western district U.S. House seat.

MTPR is interviewing candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR's Austin Amestoy speaks with Patrick McCracken, a Libertarian running for Montana’s eastern district U.S. House seat.

MTPR is interviewing candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR's Austin Amestoy speaks with Ray Curtis, a Republican running for Montana's western U.S. House seat.

MTPR is interviewing candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR's Victoria Traxler speaks with Sam Lux, a Democrat running for Montana's eastern U.S. House seat.

Democrats seeking their party's nomination for the state's U.S. House seats met in Helena last weekend to debate. The eastern district candidates covered many issues, including how they each plan to address health care costs. In the western district debate, candidates traded sharp criticisms over union backing and 'dark money.'

Hundreds of miles of open road can stretch between expectant mothers and the maternity care they need in rural Montana. That’s where trained, non-medical professionals called “doulas” can help fill the gap. Montana was set to start reimbursing doulas through Medicaid this year, but federal cuts to the health program have put that plan on ice.

Democratic House candidates try to separate from the pack. Senate Republican candidate Kurt Alme tries to downplay the last-minute maneuver that put him into the race. Senate Democratic candidate Reilly Neill promises to hold President Trump accountable if she's elected. And this may be the last time voters elect members of the state Public Service Commission.