Ryan Zinke

Ryan Zinke, born on November 1, 1961, is a prominent American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. representative for Montana's 1st congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Zinke has a rich political history, having served in the Montana Senate from 2009 to 2013 and as the U.S. representative for the at-large congressional district from 2015 to 2017.

Before entering politics, Zinke had a distinguished military career as a U.S. Navy SEAL from 1986 until 2008, retiring with the rank of commander. He made history as the first SEAL elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and was an active member of both the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee.

During his tenure in Congress, Zinke was known for his support of military action against ISIS in the Middle East and his opposition to the Affordable Care Act and various environmental regulations. His appointment as Secretary of the Interior by President Donald Trump in March 2017 marked another milestone, as he became the first SEAL and the first Montanan to hold a Cabinet position.

As Secretary, Zinke's policies included opening federal lands for oil, gas, and mineral exploration, which led to ethical inquiries and investigations by the Interior Department's Office of Inspector General. His resignation in January 2019 followed a series of controversies, including findings that he had violated ethical rules.

On March 2, 2026, Zinke announced he would not seek re-election in 2026, marking a significant moment in his political career.