Sam Forstag, the Democratic nominee in Montana’s 1st Congressional District, has campaigned as a blue-collar outsider, emphasizing affordability, corruption, and working-class frustrations. However, records show he previously worked as a registered lobbyist opposing several state-level bills between 2021 and 2023.
Forstag lobbied for groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood, the Montana Library Association, and the City of Missoula. During this period, he testified against or was tied to opposition against bills involving drag performances in schools and libraries, transgender-related medical treatments for minors, boys competing in girls’ sports, voter ID requirements, and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In 2023, Forstag argued before Montana lawmakers that a bill restricting minors from attending drag performances was overly broad and could affect transgender or nonbinary individuals participating in library programming. He stated the measure was intended to 'stir up fear and distrust of our fellow citizens.'
Forstag’s campaign has focused on economic and corruption issues, but his lobbying record could impact his appeal to centrist voters in a heavily Republican state.