Montana voters headed to the polls Tuesday, June 2, as the state joined Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota in holding primary elections that will shape the political landscape heading into November. In Montana, the day’s biggest contests center on the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Steve Daines and the northwestern congressional district seat currently occupied by Rep. Ryan Zinke — both of whom are not returning to their current posts.
Montana’s Contested Primaries
The races to succeed Daines and Zinke have drawn significant interest, with Republican primary voters weighing candidates aligned with the traditional wing of the party against those running on closer ties to President Donald Trump’s political movement. That same tension has played out down-ballot, with several state legislative primaries reflecting the ongoing debate over the GOP’s direction in a state where Republicans hold unified control of state government.
Montana operates under an open primary system, meaning any registered voter — regardless of party affiliation — may participate in either party’s primary. Polls close at 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Election officials have reported that tens of thousands of ballots were cast ahead of Election Day through early and mail-in voting.
The Senate contest carries particular weight for Montana Republicans. Daines, who has held the seat since 2015, announced he would not seek reelection, opening one of the more closely watched Senate races in the country. Control of congressional seats in a state that has trended reliably Republican in federal elections remains a priority for both national party organizations. Housing affordability and land-use policy have emerged as persistent issues in Montana politics heading into the general election; the state’s second-home tax policy has drawn national attention as the cost of living continues to climb in many communities.
What’s Happening in the Other Four States
Iowa voters are also deciding their party nominees for governor and U.S. Senate on Tuesday, with both Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sen. Joni Ernst stepping away from their current offices. House and state legislative seats are also on the ballot. Iowa operates a closed primary but allows voters to switch party registration at their polling location on Election Day. Polls close at 8:00 p.m.
In New Jersey, a competitive race in the 7th Congressional District has drawn national attention, and both parties are selecting nominees to face off for the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Cory Booker. New Jersey uses a closed primary system, and polls close at 8:00 p.m.
New Mexico is holding gubernatorial primaries after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham reaches her term limit, alongside Senate, House, and statewide office contests. The state’s closed primary closes at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
South Dakota Republicans are choosing between four candidates for governor: incumbent Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, state House Speaker Jon Hansen, and businessman Toby Doeden. Senate, House, and the Sioux Falls mayoral nomination are also on the ballot. South Dakota’s system restricts Republicans to their own primary; independent voters may participate in the Democratic primary but not the Republican one. Polls close between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. depending on the time zone.
What Comes Next
Results from Tuesday’s primaries will define the general election field for the November 3 contest. In Montana, whoever emerges from the Republican Senate primary will be considered a strong favorite in the general, given the state’s rightward lean in federal races. The congressional primary winner faces a similarly favorable map heading into the fall.
Down-ballot outcomes in state legislative races will also signal how much appetite Republican primary voters have for either the establishment or Trump-aligned factions of the party — a dynamic that could influence policy priorities when the Montana Legislature reconvenes for its regular session in 2027. State officials and social services advocates will also be watching how the election reshapes legislative coalitions around issues like child welfare and foster care placements, which have been a focus of interim committee work in the current off-year period.
