Montana
Jacobsen touts record in race for western U.S. House seat
HELENA, Mont. — Ahead of the primary election on June 2, NBC Montana is interviewing candidates to get an idea of their policy stances.
NBC Montana sat down with current Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, who’s running as a Republican for Montana’s western U.S. House seat. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, who is not seeking reelection.
The full interview is embedded below on YouTube:
During the interview, Jacobsen repeatedly described herself as a “proven leader,” pointing to her time as Montana’s Secretary of State.
“I have delivered on all of my campaign promises starting from 2020 to secure our elections and partner with our business community,” said Jacobsen.
Jacobsen says she supports reducing the size of government, referring to her work as a state official.
“I have a proven track record, not only the votes that I have on the land board that support natural resource development and public access. But my proven track record by supporting businesses in the state, eliminating fees, cutting red tape, getting government out of the way, downsizing government, being accountable for spending, transparency securing our elections. I have a proven track record as delivering as a leader not just talking about it, but actually delivering on that. And that’s why in the last two general elections I’ve won by the largest margin of any other candidate on the ballot, including President Trump,” said Jacobsen.
Jacobsen cited reductions in her office’s staff, reductions in state government leases and reduced business filing fees, as well as voter ID requirements in state elections.
NBC Montana also asked Jacobsen about how she would plan to reduce the cost of housing. She said her approach would focus on “downsizing government,” reducing regulation and accelerating the permitting process.
“I think for Montanans, it’s important that we are eliminating taxes or reducing taxes, and as secretary of state I’ve done that, I’ve actually put the work into downsize government by reducing staff by half and reducing the number of state government leases from four to one. And with the savings, I’ve been able to provide better service for Montanans, our business community and our voters,” said Jacobsen.
When asked about the Trump Administration’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce through DOGE, she said the size of the federal deficit makes spending restraint a priority.
“I think that has to be priority to make sure that we have our spending under control and Montana’s have to live by a budget a secretary of state. I had to balance the budget I held the line with spending and that didn’t, that meant not even increasing the spending with inflation. It meant actually reducing the spending and I know if we’re able to do that at the secretary of state’s office that I will be able to do that in Congress and when you do that you can pass that savings on and in fact reduce taxes and make many of the tax cuts permanent,” said Jacobsen.
When asked about rural health care challenges, Jacobsen said she supports telehealth when appropriate, preventive care and reducing insurance-related red tape.
NBC Montana asked Jacobsen about her stance on the war in Iran.
“I think the president has done a good job with it being Operation Epic Fury, and I think Montanans want to see an end to it fairly quickly, and we’re supporting the president in hopes that happens soon,” said Jacobsen.
She said she hopes soaring gas prices are short-term. When asked about rising costs associated with the Trump Administration’s tariffs Jacobsen did not directly say whether or not she supports them.
“In general, I support free enterprise, and I think the less amount of government that we have, the less government interference and more private sector growth that we have as an opportunity for business to thrive and do it through free enterprise. That’s my position,” said Jacobsen.
NBC Montana asked Jacobsen on her willingness to work with leaders from the other party, referencing the longest government shutdown in U.S. history that lasted 43 days in 2025.
“It’s an absolute failure of our congressmen, and I do not believe that we should have any workers going and doing their job and congressman being able to take a vacation or take a break and continue to get paid. I would absolutely support that congressmen are not allowed to go home take a break or continue with a paycheck if they are in fact standing in the way of delivering for the workers and the people of our country,” said Jacobsen.
NBC Montana asked about President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican candidate Aaron Flint, who’s seeking the same seat.
“I have an amazing partnership with Trump, as you mentioned he endorsed me in 2024, and moving forward we’ve partnered with the Trump Administration to secure our elections and make sure that we have only citizens voting in the state and I think that’s an amazing partnership that I’m very proud of,” said Jacobsen.
Jacobsen avoided drawing a direct contrast with current U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke when asked what she would do differently.
When asked what separates her from other Republicans in the race, she said, “I’m a doer. I’m not a talker.”
She cited her statewide election margins and her work on the state land board.
Iron (MN) Cherry High School athlete Isaiah Asuma announced his commitment to Montana State on Monday, adding to an already impressive recruiting class for the reigning FCS national champions.
“I committed to Montana State because I love what the football program has been and has to offer,” Asuma said. “I love Bozeman, and I really fell in love with the coaching staff and what they had for future plans for me. I really think they can develop me for the next level.”
The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder, who is also a standout basketball player for the Tigers, received an offer from the Bobcats on April 17, after speaking with head coach Brent Vigen when he was in Bozeman for a Junior Day.
“My family and I had a conversation with Coach Vigen in his office, and he was just telling me that he really liked my game and really thought I could make an impact for them! That was when he offered me. Being around him a couple of times now, we have developed a good relationship, and I love who he is as a person and a coach. He’s always gonna shoot you straight, and he’s never gonna lie to you.”
Let’s do it, Cat Nation. 💙💛🤍#AGTG #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/20f54Xvmrz
— isaiahasuma (@AsumaIsaiah) June 22, 2026
Asuma has yet to take his official visit with the Bobcats, but even after just a few visits to Bozeman, he saw enough and decided to announce his commitment.
“I have not taken my official visit yet, but I have been out there two times, and I love Bozeman. The first time I went out there, I fell in love with it. I come from a small town in Minnesota, so that’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before out there. It is pretty amazing!”
Last season, the Tigers finished 4-5, but Asuma had a great season, finishing with 1,233 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 1,044 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns, while adding 58 tackles and four interceptions.
“Last season was solid, but we were a .500 team. I had a good individual year, and since I go to a smaller school, I played both quarterback and free safety.”
This season, he is hoping to lead the Tigers to a winning record, as well as have another big season, which could be a challenge as they will have a young squad.
“The offseason has been good. I just started summer practice and weights again with the team, in addition to training with my trainer, Dre Sherril, with explosive agility stuff and weightlifting. My goals for this upcoming season are to try to rush for 1,000 yards again and be a .500 team. Our team is super young this year, so I’m just hoping to have a solid year again.”
Asuma adds to a Bobcats recruiting class that includes three-star wide receiver Kase Betz, defensive lineman Dax Yeager, offensive lineman Kade Leibrand, EDGE Dominick Webb, defensive back Kei’Dryn Edmond, offensive lineman Maciah Keene, tight end Carter Zollar, running back DaKari Releford, among others.
‼️College coaches‼️ https://t.co/stoR6ZJROU
— isaiahasuma (@AsumaIsaiah) April 28, 2026
Follow FCS Football Central on social media for ongoing coverage of FCS football, including on X, Facebook, and YouTube.
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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 26, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 26 drawing
05-13-30-33-52, Mega Ball: 06
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from June 26 drawing
07-08-20-22, Bonus: 12
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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