Born on November 1, 1961, in Bozeman, Montana, Ryan K. Zinke has built a diverse career that spans military service, business, and political engagement. After graduating from Whitefish High School in 1980, he earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon in 1984, followed by an MBA from National University in 1991, and a Master of Science from the University of San Diego in 2003. Zinke served in the United States Navy from 1985 to 2008, with notable achievements including a stint as a Navy SEAL. His career in politics began with his election to the Montana State Senate, where he served from 2009 to 2012. After an unsuccessful bid for the lieutenant governor nomination in 2012, Zinke was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from January 3, 2015, until his resignation on March 1, 2017. He was later appointed as the Secretary of the Interior under President Donald J. Trump from 2017 to 2018. He returned to Congress after being elected to the 118th Congress commencing January 3, 2023.
Zinke has sponsored and co-sponsored several key pieces of legislation throughout his career. Some notable bills include:
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 (HB556) - This bill seeks to restrict the ability of federal agencies to ban lead ammunition and tackle used in hunting, emphasizing the need to safeguard recreational outdoor activities while balancing wildlife conservation concerns. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025 (HB2130) - This legislation aims to streamline the mortgage process for properties on Indian land, ensuring timely processing and boosting homeownership in Native American communities. The bill was also referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 (HB726) - This bill enhances the water rights management for the Crow Tribe of Montana, facilitating better control and funding for water projects. The bill is intended to improve autonomy over water resources and is currently under consideration in Congress.
Zinke's political leanings can be characterized by a strong emphasis on resource management, particularly in the context of western energy and land use policies, reflecting the interests of his constituents in Montana. His support for legislation that promotes hunting and fishing rights indicates a commitment to traditional outdoor lifestyles, while his focus on Native American affairs demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of tribal sovereignty and rights.
In addition to his legislative work, Zinke's ties to the military and his background in business inform his approach to national defense and economic policies, particularly regarding energy independence and resource exploration. His involvement in high-profile positions has allowed him to advocate for both military personnel and rural communities, ensuring that the needs of these groups are represented in legislative discussions.
Married with children, Zinke maintains connections to his home state and is active in engaging with local issues, reinforcing his commitment to serving the citizens of Montana. His blend of military service, political experience, and ongoing legislative efforts position him as a significant figure in addressing both local and national policy challenges.