Your feedback ensures we stay focused on the facts that matter to you most—take our survey.
Ming Cabrera
Ming Cabrera (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Montana's 2nd Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 4, 2024.
Cabrera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Ming Cabrera earned a bachelor's degree from Creighton University in 1980. His career experience includes working as a business owner and in hospital sales.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Montana's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024
Montana's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Democratic primary)
Montana's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Montana District 2
Troy Downing defeated John B. Driscoll, Reilly Neill, and John Metzger in the general election for U.S. House Montana District 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Troy Downing (R) | 65.7 | 181,832 |
 | John B. Driscoll (D) | 33.9 | 93,713 | |
 | Reilly Neill (D) (Write-in)  | 0.4 | 1,058 | |
 | John Metzger (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 40 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 9 | ||
| Total votes: 276,652 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana District 2
John B. Driscoll defeated Steve Held, Ming Cabrera, and Kevin Hamm in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana District 2 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John B. Driscoll | 33.3 | 13,420 |
 | Steve Held | 26.4 | 10,649 | |
 | Ming Cabrera | 20.9 | 8,408 | |
 | Kevin Hamm | 19.4 | 7,813 | |
| Total votes: 40,290 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Montana District 2
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Montana District 2 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Troy Downing | 36.1 | 36,269 |
 | Denny Rehberg | 17.1 | 17,182 | |
 | Stacy Zinn | 13.5 | 13,581 | |
 | Elsie Arntzen | 9.4 | 9,468 | |
 | Kenneth Bogner | 9.0 | 9,026 | |
 | Ric Holden | 7.1 | 7,108 | |
 | Joel G. Krautter | 3.4 | 3,432 | |
| Kyle Austin | 3.2 | 3,177 | ||
 | Edward Walker | 1.2 | 1,168 | |
| Total votes: 100,411 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Matt Rosendale (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cabrera in this election.
2018
General election
General election for Montana House of Representatives District 44
Incumbent Dale Mortensen defeated Ming Cabrera in the general election for Montana House of Representatives District 44 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Dale Mortensen (R) | 55.0 | 2,229 |
| Ming Cabrera (D) | 45.0 | 1,823 | |
| Total votes: 4,052 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 44
Ming Cabrera advanced from the Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 44 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ming Cabrera | 100.0 | 800 |
| Total votes: 800 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Montana House of Representatives District 44
Incumbent Dale Mortensen advanced from the Republican primary for Montana House of Representatives District 44 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Dale Mortensen | 100.0 | 1,276 |
| Total votes: 1,276 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Ming Cabrera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cabrera's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
As a candidate for the US House of Representatives, I am dedicated to fiercely championing the interests of Montanans in Washington, DC – from the preservation of our cherished public lands and the fortification of our agricultural sector, to defending public education and improving access to affordable healthcare.
It’s going to take someone with a strong backbone and a proven ability to reach across the aisle to serve as a voice for Montana. I’m ready to be that voice, and I ask for your support in making it happen.- The closure of nursing homes, rural hospitals and lack of mental healthcare access to essential service highlight the need for action. We must work together to ensure access to essential services in underserved areas and to expand Medicare prescription drug coverage right now. These actions are essential to alleviate financial burdens on our elderly and at-risk populations, and on the taxpayers who are footing the bill for expensive and preventable emergency services in the absence of preventative care. Furthermore, it is important that we untie the hands of healthcare providers and empower them to make diagnostic decisions instead of asking them to spend their precious time negotiating with bureaucrats who hold the purse strings.
- The recent Farm Bill has faced legislative hurdles for enactment with insufficient votes to pass the House floor with delays in short term extensions with no markups or legislative action. The number one economy of Montana is farming, and it is imperative our communities be able to plan their future. Some issues to discuss in this bill are crop and disaster insurance, appropriations for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), farm commodity and dairy programs and inconsistent government policies that reduce the effects of Montana farmers to sell their products overseas. We need a solid, consistent Farm Bill.
- Affordable Housing Montana, like many parts of our nation, is facing a housing affordability crisis, leaving far too many families struggling to find safe and affordable housing. This crisis is not only impacting individuals and families but also our communities and economy. Here are some potential approaches that I believe could make a real difference. We need Congress to address investing in housing initiatives, promoting homeownership opportunities, limiting corporate ownership of residential property, addressing zoning and regulatory barriers and support sustainable housing solutions.
As the old Greek proverb goes, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they shall never sit".
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Cabrera’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
ISSUES PUBLIC LANDS I am dedicated to safeguarding Montana’s public lands as an essential part of our unique way of life. Montana’s identity is tightly linked to our pristine landscapes, crucial for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether you’re a hiker or a camper, a hunter or an angler, a wildlife photographer or an outfitter, these spaces hold value for everyone. Our outdoor traditions contribute not only to our cultural heritage but also significantly to our economy. I am committed to advocating for policies that protect our public lands, ensuring access for all outdoor enthusiasts, while recognizing the diverse ways these spaces enrich our lives and contribute to our state’s prosperity. As the old Greek proverb goes, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” As your representative, I promise to honor that proverb though my commitment to preserving Montana’s public lands for generations to come. AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE As an advocate for affordable and high-quality healthcare with years of experience working in the medical field, I strongly support policies that prioritize both affordability and excellence in Montana’s healthcare system. The worrying closures of nursing homes, rural hospitals, and the lack of mental healthcare access across the state highlight the critical need for immediate action. We can no longer afford to procrastinate on this issue; we must work together to ensure access to essential services in underserved areas and to expand Medicare prescription drug coverage right now. These actions are essential to alleviate financial burdens on our elderly and at-risk populations, and on the taxpayers who are footing the bill for expensive and preventable emergency services in the absence of preventative care. Furthermore, it is important that we untie the hands of healthcare providers and finally empower them to make diagnostic decisions in the best interest of their patients, instead of asking them to spend their precious time negotiating with bureaucrats who hold the purses strings. Upholding these principles requires concrete policy initiatives aimed at improving access, affordability, and quality of care statewide, and a candidate with the background to be able to make sense of it all. I am that candidate, and I can’t wait to advocate for you. PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION As a product of Huntley Project Schools in Worden, Montana, I stand as a testament to the profound impact of public education. My experiences in Montana’s public schools were the stepping-stones that shaped my path, and I am profoundly grateful for the transformative opportunities they provided. My commitment to protecting public schools goes beyond words; it’s a passionate pledge to safeguard the heart of our society’s greatest equalizer, from the son of immigrant parents who understands firsthand how important that equalizer can be. I condemn any and all attempts to defund our public schools or abandon the educators who put their whole hearts into educating the next generation on a daily basis. I ask that we all join together to ensure that every student, regardless of background, can access the education they deserve, and I promise to put everything I’ve got into protecting funding for public education and its pivotal role in shaping generations to come. In addition, I recognize the critical importance of early childhood education in laying the foundation for a child’s future success. Unfortunately, Montana faces a severe shortage of slots in these programs, creating potential long-term fallout for children and families lacking access. As your future representative, I am dedicated to addressing this gap, advocating for increased resources, and unconditionally supporting early childhood education initiatives. Ensuring that every child has access to quality early education is not just an investment in their individual growth but a commitment to building a stronger, more equitable community and fostering a brighter future for Montana. SECOND AMENDMENT As a dedicated hunter and proud gun owner who has spent hundreds of hours hunting with my son and dogs on Montana’s public lands and cherishing the tradition of harvesting wild game for family meals, I firmly believe that we must protect our Second Amendment rights – not just for recreation, but for protection. Rural Montanans know better than anyone how long it can take for emergency services to reach us when the worst happens – and how important it is that we retain the right to defend ourselves, our families, and our property. These rights are deeply woven into the fabric of Montana’s culture, fostering a sense of connection to our land and heritage that cannot and should not be broken. It is essential to recognize that with these rights come responsibilities, as those of us who were raised with a healthy respect for the power of a firearm instinctively understand. We must strike a balance between preserving our constitutional freedoms and enacting sensible measures to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who pose a threat to public safety. I advocate for increased support and funding for firearm safety programs for all ages, and increased access to mental health intervention programs to solve the root cause of violence before it has a chance to harm our communities. With these two policies in place, we can protect both our cherished traditions and the well-being of our communities. ENERGY PRODUCTION My connection to the energy-producing communities of Montana is a personal one; I’ve gotten my hands dirty working in the oil fields of Eastern Montana and was raised in a community near Colstrip and Roundup that was sustained by the hard work of coal miners and their families. These experiences have instilled in me a deep respect for their role in shaping the economic prosperity of this great state. Montana’s history of growth is owed in large part to the labor of these communities, and it is essential that we honor that legacy by investing heavily in their continued success. I believe in proactively investing in our coal-fueled communities by tapping into the so-called coal severance funds intended to strengthen the foundation of towns whose labor filled the coffers in the first place. Our commitment to supporting towns like Colstrip must translate into tangible action, demonstrating that our promises are more than just campaign slogans. At the end of the day, our communities deserve the same diversified portfolios enjoyed by some of our wealthiest elected officials; investing in support for coal communities alongside more diversified energy portfolios and vocational training programs will help get us there. Investing in Montana’s future as a leader in energy production while ensuring the sustainability of good union jobs right here at home is non-negotiable for me, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we have the tools to make it happen. REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM As a degree-holder in biology with years of experience in the medical field, my stance on reproductive rights is shaped by both academic and professional knowledge and compassionate humanity. Working in a hospital in the Philippines, I witnessed the devastating consequences of restrictive abortion laws, where women faced life-threatening situations and the loss of both maternal and fetal lives. Reflecting on this experience, I echo the words of Pope Francis, who wisely asked, ‘Who am I to judge?’ It is not the government’s role to pry into our private medical records or to make moral decisions about women’s healthcare. I firmly believe that women are perfectly capable of making these deeply personal decisions for themselves, and as a candidate for public office, I am committed to opposing legislation that would limit a woman’s right to choose and actively supporting measures that codify this fundamental right once and for all. Everyone deserves the autonomy to make decisions about our own bodies, and it is my pledge to stand firm in ensuring that this right is protected and upheld. LGBTQ+ ISSUES My heartfelt commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community is grounded in allyship, empathy, and faith that has instilled in me a lifelong belief in the power of unconditional love. In recognition of the concerning rates of suicide and mental health crises within the LGBTQ+ community, my campaign is further committed to serving as a beacon of genuine encouragement and hope, steering clear of the fear-mongering tactics so often employed for political gain. I warmly invite anyone feeling disheartened to reach out to me and let me know how I can help, how I can better use this platform to support their well-being, and how I can improve. As your representative, I promise to oppose any legislation that threatens the LGBTQ+ community’s ability to live authentically and free from fear. I firmly believe in a future where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, not only thrives but also contributes to our shared tapestry with joy and authenticity, and I am certain that there is a bright future ahead of us if we can all work together. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP As a man with the privilege of experience both in the oil fields of Eastern Montana and the lecture halls of medical school, I have developed a strong preference for no-nonsense, scientific, evidence-based decision making. I believe in realistic and actionable solutions that benefit us all and are rooted in reliable science. I am deeply committed to preserving our planet for future generations and ensuring a sustainable way of life for our children and grandchildren. I advocate for investment in renewable energy to ensure Montana remains at the forefront of innovation and isn’t left behind in the transition to cleaner sources of power, I commend the brave young people who took their case for better environmental stewardship all the way to the Montana Supreme Court and won, and I support incentivizing lower emissions and promoting environmentally friendly practices to reduce our carbon footprint and safeguard our planet for future generations. Additionally, I recognize the significance of supporting and listening to communities reliant on fossil fuels, whose labor has contributed to Montana’s economic strength and made discussions about a clean, sustainable future financially feasible. Having grown up in one of those small towns, I know firsthand how very real their concerns are and how important it is to offer them a seat at the table for these conversations. It is essential to balance environmental conservation with the well-being of the communities most impacted by these policies, striving for solutions that benefit all parties while addressing the challenges of climate change. We cannot make decisions about our collective future without affording all parties a voice in the conversation.[2] |
” |
| —Ming Cabrera’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate U.S. House Montana District 2 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 8, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Ming Cabrera for Montana, “Issues,” accessed September 6, 2024
