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Montana Firefighter Sam Forstag Sets Social Media Ablaze While Considering Congressional Run
READ TIME: 17 MIN.
Sam Forstag, a smokejumper at the Missoula Smokejumper Base and Vice President of National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local 60, has become a prominent figure in Montana’s political landscape after delivering a rousing speech at a rally hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Missoula on April 17, 2025. Addressing an audience of nearly 7,500, Forstag highlighted the urgent need to defend public service and the rights of federal workers, including firefighters and doctors, against privatization and budget cuts targeting essential services like Medicaid and retirement benefits for first responders .
Forstag’s message resonated with many, as he called out “greed burning out of control” and urged union members and allies to organize and resist attacks on civil servants. “What we’re facing today isn’t a wildfire, but it’s damn sure an emergency,” Forstag asserted, drawing a direct link between the crises he confronts as a firefighter and the broader social emergencies facing public sector workers .
In recent weeks, Forstag has reportedly begun to consider a run for Congress, creating excitement among progressive circles and the LGBTQ+ community in Montana. While Forstag has not officially announced his candidacy, speculation has been fueled by media reports and his increasing public advocacy. Queerty, a leading LGBTQ+ media outlet, described Forstag as “mulling a run for Congress in Montana,” highlighting his appeal not only as a union leader and firefighter but also as a charismatic figure who could break new ground for LGBTQ+ representation in the state .
Montana has historically lacked openly LGBTQ+ federal lawmakers, and Forstag’s possible candidacy would mark a substantial step toward greater visibility and inclusion. His advocacy for public service, worker protections, and expanded civil rights aligns with priorities widely supported by LGBTQ+ organizations, who have praised his leadership within the labor movement.
Forstag’s journey began in the forests of Montana, where he has served as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service, working at the Smokejumper Base in Missoula. He spends summers battling fires and protecting public lands, bringing firsthand experience to his policy advocacy. In addition to his firefighting work, Forstag has been active as a lobbyist, organizer, and union leader, representing the interests of federal workers on issues ranging from workplace safety to collective bargaining .
At the recent rally, Forstag promoted union organizing efforts on the Custer Gallatin National Forest, where workers were preparing to vote on joining the NFFE. His commitment to building solidarity among public sector employees has drawn praise from national union leadership. “I applaud Sam for standing up for his colleagues and public servants across the country,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin, emphasizing the importance of organizing and resisting attacks on federal workers .
Forstag’s advocacy has particular resonance for LGBTQ+ Montanans, who have faced persistent challenges in gaining representation and securing equal rights. As Montana continues to debate policies affecting transgender people, queer youth, and other marginalized groups, Forstag’s visibility as a union leader and potential congressional candidate offers hope for more inclusive leadership.
LGBTQ+ organizations in Montana and nationally have underscored the significance of electing leaders who understand intersectional struggles and prioritize equity in public policy. Forstag’s record on union organizing and support for public sector workers positions him as an ally to LGBTQ+ communities, especially those working in government and frontline service roles .
His presence at high-profile rallies with leaders like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez also signals a growing willingness among Montana’s progressives to champion candidates who reflect the diversity of their constituents. Should Forstag enter the race, he would join a rising wave of out LGBTQ+ candidates nationwide, many of whom have made historic gains in recent years.
While Forstag’s potential candidacy has generated enthusiasm, it also faces hurdles. Montana’s political landscape is complex, with deep divisions over issues ranging from environmental protection to labor rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Federal union organizing and worker advocacy remain contentious topics, particularly in rural communities where privatization and budget cuts have significant impacts.
Nevertheless, Forstag’s experience as a firefighter and labor leader offers a compelling narrative. His call to “organize, stand in solidarity, and fight back against the attacks on federal workers” has struck a chord among voters seeking transformative leadership.
As Montana prepares for the upcoming congressional elections, all eyes are on whether Forstag will take the next step and formally announce his run. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, his candidacy would represent far more than a political campaign—it would be a rallying point for justice, solidarity, and progress in a state where advocacy is needed now more than ever.
