Robert Ernest Quist (born January 5, 1948) is an American musician and politician, known for his work in bluegrass and country music.

Originally a founding member of the Mission Mountain Wood Band, he plays guitar and banjo in addition to singing and songwriting.

[2] Born January 5, 1948, in Cut Bank, Montana, Quist began singing at a young age and learned to play multiple instruments, including trombone and cello.

[6] The group went on to tour nationally and opened for many notable acts of the era,[7] but were also popular headliners in their local region for events such as the University of Montana's Aber Day kegger.

He has written and recorded national television and radio ads for Levi's 501 Jeans, Amtrak's Empire Builder and Original Coors.

Quist has released 15 CDs of mostly original music about the lives and history of the people of Montana and the West, placing his songs on Billboard and Independent Charts.

"[11] Quist was one of the first honorees to be inducted into the University of Montana School of Fine Art's "Hall of Honors", saluted as "a celebrated Montana musician and composer who has captured the spirit of the West in his music, an evocative and versatile artist whose gift of song has touched the hearts and souls of his countrymen, an eloquent proponent of the history and beauty of the West whose legacy in song will be embraced by generations to follow.

Quist cited as qualifications his work with the state government, lifelong experience traveling in and around Montana, and his upbringing in a ranching family.

[16][17] The special election was announced by Governor Steve Bullock on March 1 and set for May 25, the minimum 85 days required after Zinke's confirmation.

[27] Politico described Quist's policies as "an economic fairness platform" and "a commitment to Montana's particular brand of prairie populism.

"[28] According to the Washington Post, the Quist campaign opted not to turn the special election into a referendum on Trump's alleged scandals, but to focus on "policy decisions by the president and congressional Republicans.

[30][31] Quist opposed efforts to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare),[32] stating in 2017 that doing so would "raise healthcare costs for working Montanans", which is consistent with an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation,[32] and be a "tax cut for millionaires".

[35] Quist opposes the privatization of federal lands, military intervention and regime change, as well as any form of religious ban or registry.