After dismissing fentanyl as a border issue, Dem House candidate takes a tough stance.

Monica Tranel, a democratic congressional candidate, has shifted her stance on the fentanyl crisis, claiming that the drug is not originating from the southern border.

In Montana's First Congressional District, the Democratic candidate, Tranel, has released a campaign ad that is critical of the border.

During her first congressional bid in 2022, Tranel argued that the border crisis is not linked to fentanyl trafficking while debating Zinke at the City Club Missoula.

"According to Tranel, the source of the fentanyl crisis is not the southern border, but rather China. The complex series of events that lead to the arrival of fentanyl in the US must be addressed, and simply shutting down the border will not solve the problem."

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 36 million lethal doses of fentanyl had been removed from American communities between May to September 2022, with 35 cases linking directly to Mexican cartels, shortly after Tranel's remarks at the debate.

In 2024, Tranel is shifting her stance on the issue as she makes another bid for the Republican-held seat.

"In a new campaign ad posted on X in September, Tranel stated that there is a crisis at the border and emphasized the need for securing the border, hiring more border patrol agents, and targeting drug cartels to stop the illegal flow of drugs like fentanyl."

Montana GOP spokesperson Madison Atkinson stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that Trainwreck Tranel is taking a tough stance on the border this election year, but Montanans are aware that she will be working under the Harris-Walz banner to bring more crime, border chaos, and support for boys playing in girls' sports.

In fiscal year 2023, Border Patrol agents seized enough fentanyl to potentially end the lives of every American.

Tranel stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that securing the border and resolving the fentanyl crisis are necessary.

"The border bill would have increased resources for detecting and stopping fentanyl from entering the country. I support this bill and would have voted for it. It is crucial to stop the supply of fentanyl and keep it from entering any border. As a member of Congress, I would have voted to achieve this. Ryan Zinke could have voted for this bill but chose not to, in order to play political games and campaign on the issue rather than solving it."

"While Zinke prioritizes special interests and China, I am committed to securing the border and protecting our communities from illegal drugs. I will not be deterred by any Democrat or Republican who stands in the way of keeping Montana safe."