James St. Goddard. Photo from Facebook

James St. Goddard, a former vice chair of the Blackfeet Nation, announced his candidacy for Montana's lone Congressional seat.

St. Goddard, a spiritual leader within the tribe, is running as a Democrat. He is the first to enter the 2016 race.

"Today I send this message to the children of this state: that a leader has stepped forward to put his neck out for all the people of Montana, not just the Republicans or the Democrats," St. Goddard said in the steps of the state capitol, Montana Public Radio reported.

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Montana), who is serving his first term in the U.S. House, hasn't said whether he will seek re-election. He has made an effort to advance tribal issues since arriving in Washington, D.C., in January.

Native Americans represent 6.5 percent of the population in Montana. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Native vote has been critical in local and statewide elections.

Get the Story:
James St. Goddard To Challenge Zinke For Montana's House Seat (MTPR 6/23)
Blackfeet Tribal Member Announces Bid for U.S. House (AP 6/23)
James Stgoddard Announces 2016 US House Bid (KTVH 6/23)
Stgoddard running for Congress (The Great Falls Tribune 6/24)