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Sam Forstag (born May 23, 1994) is an American smokejumper, union leader, and politician who is currently a Democratic candidate for the western district of the 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Montana.[1]

Early life

Forstag was born on May 23, 1994. He attended the University of Montana, where he served as student body president his senior year.[2]

Career

He then spent several years as a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service, including four years as a smokejumper.[3][4] Between fire season, Forstag worked as a political organizer, helping found and run the Montana Coalition to Solve Homelessness[3][5] and representing the Montana Library Association.[6] He also advocated for criminal justice reform on behalf of the Montana Innocence Project[7] and worked for the ACLU of Montana as Legislative Program Manager.[8][9]

Forstag received attention for speaking in his capacity as a union leader[10] at a Fighting Oligarchy rally in spring 2025 alongside Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[11] He is one of several active union members seeking federal office in the 2026 midterm elections.[12]

References

  1. ^ Goldmacher, Shane (2026-02-05). “To Win Back the House, Democrats Take the Fight to Deep-Red Areas”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  2. ^ Montanan, Micah Drew Daily (2026-01-05). “Missoula smokejumper, union leader Sam Forstag enters race against Zinke for Congress”. Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  3. ^ a b Journalist, Joee Taylor, NonStop Local Senior Multimedia (2026-01-05). “Missoula smokejumper enters Montana Congressional Race”. NonStop Local Montana. Retrieved 2026-01-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Dapcevich, Madison (2026-02-03). “After Years Fighting Fires, Sam Forstag Takes Fight for Public Lands to Congress”. Outside. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  5. ^ Montanan, Daily MontananDaily (2024-02-07). “Montana leads nation in homeless increases in 2023 report”. The Missoula Current News – Daily News in Missoula Montana. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  6. ^ Miller, Blair (2023-01-19). “Opponents say bill to change Montana obscenity law could have ‘debilitating’ effects • Daily Montanan”. Daily Montanan. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  7. ^ Newspapers, SEABORN LARSON Lee (2023-02-27). “Lethal injection bill seeks to broaden substances available in state executions”. Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  8. ^ “Broad Coalition of Montana Faith, Immigrant Justice, and Civil Rights Groups Call on Secretary Mayorkas to End ICE Collaboration Programs”. American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  9. ^ “Democrats are talking about a midterm blue wave. A Montana smokejumper could help make it a reality. – CBS News”. www.cbsnews.com. 2026-01-05. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  10. ^ “NFFE Local 60 VP Sam Forstag Defends Public Service at Montana Rally”. National Federation of Federal Employees. 2025-04-17. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  11. ^ Montanan, Micah Drew Daily (2026-01-06). “Missoula smokejumper, union leader enters race for Congress”. The Belgrade News. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  12. ^ Sainato, Michael (2026-02-20). “Smokejumper and union leader aims to win in Montana by focusing on workers”. The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-03-03.