Poll Shows Zinke Leading Juneau

A statewide poll conducted last week in the race for Montana’s sole Congressional seat shows incumbent Republican Ryan Zinke leads his challenger, Democrat Denise Juneau. Despite record fundraising and solid support among Democrats, Juneau, the current state superintendent of public instruction, will need to close a significant gap in the final weeks of campaigning to catch the freshman Republican, according to analysis of the Mason-Dixon poll results.

Among registered and likely Montana voters polled, 40 percent selected Juneau, with 53 percent for Zinke.  Only 6 percent reported being undecided in the race, and the poll has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.  University of Montana political scientist Christopher Muste said it’s hard to see Juneau win with the current numbers.  Juneau’s campaign had been highlighted as a race to watch earlier this year.  Some wondered if Zinke’s endorsement of Donald Trump could push independent voters to Juneau.