HELENA – A Libertarian candidate is jumping into the race for Montana’s lone U.S. House seat, becoming the first third-party candidate to file for a statewide office this year.
Elinor Swanson filed with the Montana Secretary of State’s office and the Federal Election Commission on Monday. She joins five Democratic candidates in the race against Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte.
Swanson is an attorney with the Warren and Swanson law firm in Billings, specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice and constitutional law. She is currently the first vice-chair of the Montana Libertarian Party, and previously served briefly as chair.
Swanson said this is her first time running for public office, and that she ran to make sure that Montana voters would have a Libertarian option in the race.