The election takes place as the war in Iran continues to send gas prices soaring, creating an unanticipated windfall in the nation's No. 2 oil-producing state that the new governor will play a key role in managing.

Montana has not been at the top of the list of seats Democrats hope to flip to regain control of either body, but the retirements do creak open the door for a candidate to possibly take advantage of the state's independent streak.