UPDATE: 8:33 a.m. - November 6, 2024Decision Desk HQ has called Montana's 1st Congressional District Race for incumbent Republican Ryan Zinke.The numbers show Zinke defeated Democratic challenger Monica Tranel who also ran against Zinke in the last election cycle 52.93% to 44.15%.As of Wednesday morning, Zinke had received 142,657 votes compared to 119,005 for Tranel. Libertarian candidate Dennis Hayes received 7,870 votes or 2.92% of the vote.And you know what I look at roles and missions, no ones role is more important than any one else, and as a military commander I didnt care whether you were a Republican or Democrat, I dont care now, but I do care whether you love the country, that I care about, and if were all willing to work and understand this country is worth saving, then all of us will be better off," Zinke said on Tuesday night.Zinke also posted the following message thanking his supporters:UPDATE 5:25 a.m. - November 6, 2024The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) issued the following statement on Congressman Ryan Zinke's re-election victory in Montana's 1st congressional district:Congratulations to Congressman Ryan Zinke on his re-election victory. As a fifth-generation Montanan, Navy SEAL, and former Interior Secretary, Ryan has shown his dedication to this state and country, and we look forward to seeing him continue to fight for Montana families in his next term."  NRCC Spokeswoman Delanie BomarUPDATE 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%, by early Wednesday morning. Tranel tallied 90,547 votes or 44% 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