Featured Articles in Montana Politics

Montana Attorney General Leads Coalition Defending U.S. Gun Manufacturers

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a coalition of 28 states in urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to protect American firearm manufacturers from liability claims brought by the Mexican government. In a brief filed Tuesday, the coalition challenges a lower court ruling that Mexico alleges could hold U.S. gun manufacturers Read More…

Eco-Terrorism Ties Resurface as Biden Official Takes Role at Environmental Group

Tracy Stone-Manning, a senior official in President Joe Biden’s administration who spearheaded its aggressive climate agenda, has been named the next president of The Wilderness Society, a prominent environmental organization based in Washington, D.C. Stone-Manning’s appointment will take effect in February, the group announced Tuesday. Stone-Manning’s tenure as Director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Read More…

Senator Daines Condemns Biden Administration’s Decision to Halt Montana Coal Leasing

U.S. Senator Steve Daines criticized the Biden administration’s recent decision to prohibit new coal leasing in Montana’s Powder River Basin, following the publication of the Miles City Resource Management Plan (RMP) Record of Decision. The move effectively designates 1,745,040 acres of federally managed land in the Miles City Field Office area as unavailable for coal Read More…

Governor Gianforte Supports Helena Food Drive Ahead of Thanksgiving

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday afternoon visited the new Helena Food Share facility to support the organizations’ food drive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. “We have so much to be grateful for as Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This Thanksgiving week, I encourage Montanans to give what they can, including the gift of their Read More…

All in: Montana Politics

Montana Attorney General Leads Coalition Defending U.S. Gun Manufacturers

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a coalition of 28 states in urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to protect American firearm manufacturers from liability claims brought by the Mexican government. In a brief filed Tuesday, the coalition challenges a lower court ruling that Mexico alleges could hold U.S. gun manufacturers Read More…

Eco-Terrorism Ties Resurface as Biden Official Takes Role at Environmental Group

Tracy Stone-Manning, a senior official in President Joe Biden’s administration who spearheaded its aggressive climate agenda, has been named the next president of The Wilderness Society, a prominent environmental organization based in Washington, D.C. Stone-Manning’s appointment will take effect in February, the group announced Tuesday. Stone-Manning’s tenure as Director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Read More…

Senator Daines Condemns Biden Administration’s Decision to Halt Montana Coal Leasing

U.S. Senator Steve Daines criticized the Biden administration’s recent decision to prohibit new coal leasing in Montana’s Powder River Basin, following the publication of the Miles City Resource Management Plan (RMP) Record of Decision. The move effectively designates 1,745,040 acres of federally managed land in the Miles City Field Office area as unavailable for coal Read More…

Governor Gianforte Supports Helena Food Drive Ahead of Thanksgiving

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday afternoon visited the new Helena Food Share facility to support the organizations’ food drive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. “We have so much to be grateful for as Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This Thanksgiving week, I encourage Montanans to give what they can, including the gift of their Read More…

Senator Steve Daines Secures Passage of Key Legislation Addressing Montana Jobs, Quantum Research, and Housing Challenges

  U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) announced today that three of his key legislative priorities have successfully passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. These bills, which focus on preserving Montana jobs, advancing quantum research, and tackling housing challenges in federal land management agencies, are poised for further legislative progress. The first bill, introduced Read More…

Montana Department of Commerce Awards $1.4 Million to Boost Rural Emergency Services

he Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 26 rural safety agencies will receive more than $1.4 million in grant funding to enhance emergency service capabilities in areas experiencing increased tourism. The funding, allocated through the Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Grant Program (METAP), aims to strengthen public safety across rural communities. “Emergency services are critical Read More…

Senators Daines and King Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect and Restore Public Lands

In a bipartisan effort to safeguard and improve America’s public lands, Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine), joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), have introduced the “America the Beautiful Act.” This landmark legislation seeks to reauthorize and enhance the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), Read More…

Montana DEQ Expands Air Quality Monitoring with New Glasgow Station

In October, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) installed a new permanent air quality monitor in Glasgow, providing Valley County residents with expanded access to real-time air quality data. This installation is part of a broader initiative to enhance air quality monitoring across the state. The Glasgow monitor was funded through an EPA-administered award Read More…

Governor Opens Applications for District Court Judge Vacancy in Montana’s Seventh Judicial District

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has begun accepting applications and nominations to fill a district court judge vacancy in the Seventh Judicial District, which serves Dawson, Prairie, McCone, Richland, and Wibaux Counties. The vacancy was officially announced on November 18, 2024, following a notification from the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court. Qualified attorneys in Read More…

Board of Regents approves new institute at Montana State to address national security

BOZEMAN — The Montana Board of Regents today approved Montana State University’s proposal to establish a new institute to help address the nation’s security needs through applied research, technology development and education for the next generation of leaders. The Institute for National Security Research and Education, or INSRE, will serve as a hub at MSU, Read More…

Ryan Zinke Wins Montana’s 1st Congressional District Race

The Associated Press has declared Ryan Zinke the winner of Montana’s 1st Congressional District race, securing re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Zinke, the Republican incumbent, defeated Democratic challenger Monica Tranel in a closely watched race that highlighted key issues such as housing affordability and government spending. At an election watch party in Missoula, Read More…

Tim Sheehy Defeats Jon Tester

Republican Tim Sheehy has won Montana’s high-stakes U.S. Senate race, defeating three-term Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in a contest that saw record-breaking spending and national attention. Sheehy’s victory bolsters the GOP’s newly acquired majority in the Senate and signals a continued shift toward Republican dominance in Montana. The 38-year-old Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL Read More…

Greg Gianforte Declared Winner of Montana Governor’s Race

Decision Desk HQ has officially called Montana’s Governor race for incumbent Republican Greg Gianforte, as early results show him leading Democratic challenger Ryan Busse by a wide margin. With 6.2% of the vote counted as of 9:25 p.m., Gianforte has garnered 22,188 votes, while Busse trails with 12,777 votes. Libertarian candidate Kaiser Leib is currently Read More…

Austin Knudsen Wins Re-election as Montana Attorney General

The Associated Press has called Austin Knudsen the winner of the race for Montana Attorney General, with 86.1% of the votes counted. Knudsen, the Republican incumbent, has successfully secured a second term in office, defeating Democratic challenger Ben Alke. Knudsen, who was raised in Culbertson, Montana, has held the position of Attorney General since 2020. Read More…

Montana Republican Party Chairman Calls Out Tester Over Law Enforcement Funding Claims

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt issued a statement today criticizing Senator Jon Tester for what he claims are false assertions regarding funding for law enforcement in a recent political advertisement. Kaltschmidt’s remarks come after several Montana Sheriff’s Offices publicly disputed Tester’s claims about his support for local law enforcement agencies. “Jon Tester’s true Read More…

GOP Chairman Criticizes Suspension Recommendation for Attorney General Knudsen

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don Kaltschmidt has condemned the Commission on Practices (COP) following their recommendation to suspend Attorney General Austin Knudsen for 90 days. Kaltschmidt described the recommendation as “absurd,” claiming it reflects the interests of “a group of Democrat donors looking to advance the electoral interests of their party’s candidate for Attorney General.” Read More…

Montana Recognized for Fiscal Responsibility and Tax Relief by Cato Institute

Governor Greg Gianforte announced today that Montana has been ranked among the top states for fiscal responsibility and tax relief in a recent report by the Cato Institute, a nationally recognized think tank. The report assessed the tax and spending records of all 50 states and their leadership since 2022. “I’m proud of my record Read More…

Governor Greg Gianforte Maintains Strong Lead in Poll Ahead of Election

A new poll shows Governor Greg Gianforte solidifying his position in the race for reelection, leading Democratic challenger Ryan Busse by a significant margin of 55% to 36%. This latest survey reflects the growing support for Gianforte’s leadership as Montanans prepare to head to the polls. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt expressed confidence Read More…

Poll: Knudsen leads Alke by 18%

A recent poll shows Attorney General Austin Knudsen maintaining a commanding lead in his reelection bid, with a 53% to 35% advantage over Democratic challenger Ben Alke. This demonstrates significant support for Knudsen’s conservative agenda as Montanans prepare to vote in the upcoming election. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt expressed confidence in Knudsen’s Read More…

Sheehy, Tester Debate

Republican candidate Tim Sheehy emerged victorious in a heated U.S. Senate debate against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, according to Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. Following the debate, Kaltschmidt issued a statement underscoring Sheehy’s performance and criticizing Tester’s record. “Tim Sheehy’s second debate victory over career politician Jon Tester showed exactly why Montanans will Read More…

Tester Hides from Harris, Focuses on Abortion Amid Tight Race

Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester is positioning the protection of abortion as a cornerstone of his campaign to maintain his seat, the last Democratic hold in statewide office in Montana. His efforts include campaigning alongside Planned Parenthood officials, launching advertisements advocating for abortion rights, and endorsing a proposed state constitutional amendment to secure abortion access. Read More…

Democrat Raph Graybill admits to Breaching Campaign Finance Law

In a recent development, Raph Graybill, running mate of gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse, has admitted to violating campaign finance regulations. The Montana GOP has lodged a formal complaint with the Commissioner of Political Practices after an audio recording surfaced of Graybill acknowledging that he received confidential polling data that he was not authorized to access. Read More…

Jon Tester top recipient of lobbyist donations

As the 2024 election cycle progresses, Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) has emerged as the top recipient of lobbyist campaign donations. Tester’s campaign has received $489,440 from lobbyists, contributing to a total of $502,591 in contributions. This places him at the forefront of Senate candidates benefiting from lobbyist support, surpassing other notable figures such as Sen. Read More…

Political Group Attempts to Pay College Athletes to Endorse Tester

Democrat Senator Jon Tester  is receiving support from an outside group that is leveraging new NCAA guidelines to solicit endorsements from college athletes in Montana. This initiative essentially pays athletes to make political endorsements through their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. According to Lily Meskers, a track athlete and journalism major at the University Read More…

Turn Left PAC Endorses Senator Jon Tester and Monica Tranel, Launches $1 Million Campaign Initiative

Turn Left PAC announced its full endorsement of Senator Jon Tester and Congressional candidate Monica Tranel for Montana’s 2024 elections. The liberal organization is rallying behind the two candidates, praising them as staunch defenders of liberal values, public lands, and working families, while positioning them as a counterforce against the Republican agenda. In a bid Read More…

Ballot Measures CI-126 and CI-127 Certified for November Election

Montana’s election landscape could get a significant shift this November, as the Secretary of State’s Office has certified two ballot measures aimed at overhauling the state’s election system. Constitutional Initiatives 126 and 127 which have been financed by out-of-state liberal so-called “Dark Money” groups have qualified for the ballot. On Thursday evening, just before 7:30 Read More…

Gianforte Reviews Property Tax Reform Proposals, Highlights Support for Homestead Exemption

On Thursday, Governor Greg Gianforte met with members of his appointed task force to discuss their recommendations for property tax reform. The governor offered feedback on the proposals, which are expected to be a major topic in the upcoming legislative session. The meeting, held at the Capitol in Helena, featured an overview of the task Read More…

Speaker Mike Johnson Campaigns With Republicans in Billings

Top Republican leaders from Montana converged in Billings today, just a week after former President Donald Trump’s visit to Bozeman. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson headlined the event, underscoring the critical need to uphold conservative values in today’s political climate. Montana’s Attorney General Austin Knudsen, State Auditor Troy Downing, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Governor Greg Read More…

Barry Usher

Montana Senator Barry Usher Elected Vice President of National Conference of State Legislatures

In a significant development for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Montana Senator Barry Usher has been elected as the organization’s new vice president. This bipartisan body represents the 7,386 state lawmakers and over 30,000 legislative staff across the United States.* Usher, who will serve a one-year term as vice president, is poised to Read More…

Attorney General Knudsen Leads Coalition Supporting National TikTok Ban

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has spearheaded a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in urging the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to uphold the national TikTok divest-or-ban legislation passed by Congress earlier this year. The federal law mandates that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, must either divest Read More…

Busse Remains Silent on Biden’s Exit and Harris Endorsement

Weeks after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorses Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse has yet to publicly address the situation. Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt criticized Busse for his silence, calling it a “disservice to all Montanans.” Kaltschmidt argued Read More…

Trump Rallies in Bozeman

Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday night, aiming to energize supporters and impact down-ballot races in a state he previously won in the 2020 presidential election. “Less than three months from now, we are going to defeat radical left Democrat John Tester and send Tim Sheehy to the Read More…

Montana GOP Questions Ryan Busse’s Silence on Biden’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris

As President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, Montana’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse has remained notably silent on the matter. The Montana Republican Party is expressing frustration over Busse’s lack of comment. Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt criticized Busse for not addressing Biden’s Read More…