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Democrat Drops Out of Montana’s US House Race

Matt Rains of Simms did not give reason for ending bid for open seat

By Tristan Scott

HELENA — A Democrat running for Montana’s U.S. House seat said Tuesday he’s dropping out of the race and will instead become a candidate for the state Legislature.

Matt Rains of Simms did not give a reason for ending his campaign for the open U.S. House seat in an email to supporters. He says he will be running instead for state House District 22 in Cascade County, which is now held by Republican Lola Sheldon-Galloway.

Rains is a military veteran who flew helicopter missions in Iraq and South Korea and worked as an engineer in Missouri before taking over the family ranch in Simms.

His exit leaves former state Rep. Kathleen Williams and current state Rep. Tom Winter as the contenders for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House.

Five Republicans are also running for the seat that is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, a Republican who is running for governor.