UPDATE 4:50 a.m. - November 6, 2024Republican Ryan Zinke appears to have won Montana's Western Congressional seat over Democrat challenger Monica Tranel.Zinke had garnered 110,589 votes, or 53 percent, by early Wednesday morning. Tranel tallied 90,547 votes, or 44 percent of the ballots cast. ____________________________________________________UPDATE: 10:03 p.m. - November 5, 2024U.S. House of Representatives Democratic candidate Monica Tranel has given her first speech of the night to supporters in Missoula.She told everyone in attendance to hold on for a long night ahead as the votes continue to be counted. Monica Tranel addresses supporters in MissoulaMeanwhile in Whitefish, incumbent Republican Ryan Zinke is continuing to talk with supporters as the votes from Tuesday's election continue to be tallied.First ReportThe Tuesday. November 5, 2024, general election features a repeat matchup for Montana's Western Congressional seat.Incumbent Republican Ryan Zinke and Democrat Monica Tranel are once again on the ballot.Zinke previously served in the Montana Senate from 2009 to 2013 and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017. He also served as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019.Tranel is a lawyer with experience working at the Public Service Commission. She was also an Olympic Games athlete competing in rowing.During the last election cycle, Zinke defeated Tranel, 50% to 46%.The candidates faced off in a forum moderated by MTN Senior Political Reporter Jonathon Ambarian in Helena on Oct. 12, 2024.RELATED coverage: Watch the full Trane/Zinke candidate forum from Oct. 12, 2024: Montana's Western Congressional Candidate Forum