This smokejumper says the US has lost its empathy. That’s why he’s running for Congress

Sam Forstag, a former smokejumper turned congressional hopeful, argues that the United States has abandoned empathy for its working‑class citizens, leaving them to gamble on policies that benefit no one. Readers who care about the future of economic security and representation should watch how his candidacy could reshape the political calculus in Montana and beyond.

Forstag’s Personal Narrative and the Working‑Class Reality

In a 2013 winter evening, then‑college student Sam Forstag drove through a snowstorm to his third job of the day, making sandwiches at a Subway inside a Walmart. He recalled laughing that “I was always late,” a detail that underscores the precarious juggling act many low‑wage workers face. The anecdote illustrates how multiple part‑time gigs have become a survival strategy for a generation of Americans.

Before entering politics, Forstag spent years as a smokejumper, parachuting into remote wildfires to protect forests and communities. That experience gave him first‑hand exposure to federal land‑management policies and the limits of government support for frontline workers. The transition from battling flames to campaigning for office highlights a shift from direct service to systemic advocacy.

His story resonates because it mirrors the broader trend of “gig‑economy” labor: irregular hours, limited benefits, and constant uncertainty. By foregrounding his own labor history, Forstag positions himself as a living embodiment of the electorate he aims to represent. The narrative also serves as a critique of a system that forces capable individuals into a cycle of low‑pay, high‑risk employment.

The Empathy Gap in Federal Policy

Forstag contends that the United States has lost its empathy, a claim rooted in the perception that neither Democratic nor Republican leadership prioritizes working‑class needs. He points to stagnant wages, eroding labor protections, and a political discourse that treats voters as statistics rather than people. This empathy deficit, he argues, fuels cynicism and disengagement among constituents.

The structural roots of this gap lie in campaign financing, partisan gerrymandering, and policy inertia that favor entrenched interests. When legislators are more accountable to donors than to daily wage earners, legislation often reflects corporate priorities over community welfare. The resulting policy vacuum leaves citizens “playing a game of chance,” as Forstag phrased it.

Understanding this dynamic is essential for voters who feel alienated by the two‑party system. The empathy gap is not merely a rhetorical device; it translates into concrete outcomes like underfunded public services, limited healthcare access, and weakened safety nets. Recognizing these mechanisms equips citizens to demand accountability and push for reforms that restore a sense of shared purpose.

Implications of a Smokejumper in Congress

As a former smokejumper, Forstag brings a risk‑management mindset and an appreciation for federal‑state coordination to the legislative arena. Firefighting demands rapid decision‑making under pressure, a skill set that could inform more decisive action on climate‑related disasters and infrastructure resilience. His background may also drive attention to occupational safety standards for hazardous jobs.

Moreover, his on‑the‑ground experience with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service provides insider knowledge of bureaucratic bottlenecks. This perspective could translate into proposals for streamlining inter‑agency communication and improving resource allocation during emergencies. Such reforms would benefit not only firefighters but also communities vulnerable to natural hazards.

Politically, a candidate with a service‑oriented résumé challenges the traditional career‑politician archetype, potentially reshaping voter expectations. If elected, Forstag could leverage his credibility to build coalitions across party lines, especially on issues like public land stewardship and rural economic development. His presence in Congress may signal a broader shift toward candidates who foreground lived experience over partisan pedigree.

What This Actually Means For You

1. Expect a campaign that foregrounds concrete labor issues rather than abstract ideology.
2. Recognize that Forstag’s fire‑service background may prioritize emergency preparedness legislation.
3. Understand that his critique of both parties suggests a push for independent or reform‑oriented policy proposals.
4. Anticipate increased attention to rural infrastructure and public‑land management in Montana.
5. Prepare to evaluate candidates based on demonstrated service rather than party affiliation.

Immediate Action Steps

Start by following Forstag’s campaign updates through his official website and social‑media channels to stay informed about town halls and policy outlines. Engaging directly with his staff at local events can provide clarity on how his platform addresses specific community concerns.

Register to vote or verify your registration ahead of the upcoming primary, then consider volunteering for canvassing or phone‑banking to amplify a message that emphasizes working‑class empowerment. These actions translate personal concern into collective political influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sam Forstag’s main policy priorities?

Forstag emphasizes restoring empathy in government, improving wages, and enhancing safety nets for workers, while also advocating for better emergency response and public‑land management based on his smokejumper experience.

Why is a former smokejumper running for Congress?

His frontline service exposed him to the limits of federal support for hazardous jobs, motivating him to seek legislative change that better protects and empowers working‑class Americans.

How does Forstag view the two‑party system?

He argues that neither party adequately serves the working class, describing the political arena as a “game of chance” that leaves ordinary citizens without meaningful representation.

What Do You Think?

Can a candidate rooted in hands‑on public service truly bridge the empathy gap that Sam Forstag says has divided America?