Donald Trump’s announcement that he’ll appoint Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) as the Secretary of the Interior has opened up the Treasure State’s sole House seat and an opportunity for more millennials to be elected to Congress.
State House Rep. Daniel Zolnikov, who represents the suburbs of Billings, has had his name floated as a possible candidate to succeed Zinke. In response, the 29-year old is clearly testing the waters, announcing on a Facebook post Thursday that he was weighing his options.
“Many people, especially young Montanans, are encouraging me to run in the special election, and several Republican convention voters have pledged their support should I do so,” Zolnikov said. “Republicans must choose a nominee who will fight to protect the constitutional rights of all Montanans, work to get federal spending and debt under control, and balance the budget. The next person Montanans elect to Congress will have the distinct honor, and more importantly, the immense responsibility, of representing the greatest state in the union.”
Despite representing a small district of fewer than 10,000 people, Zolnikov has made national news for his strong positions libertarian positions.
He was one of just a dozen legislators nationally who endorsed Gary Johnson for president, helped pass a bill that brought ride-sharing services to the state, worked to expand online privacy, and touts his strong record on defending the Second Amendment.
His strict adherence to limited government and personal freedom would almost instantly turn him into one of the strongest libertarian-leaning Republicans in the House, along with Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Justin Amash (R-Mich.).
