U.S House of Representatives districts
Following population increases that were reflected in the 2020 Census, Montana gained back a Congressional seat, creating the Western Congressional District. For thirty years, Montana had only one seat in Congress, after it was lost in 1990 due to changes in statewide population. Montana is the first state in United States history to gain back a lost seat in Congress! In 2021, redistricting took place in the state and the Western and Eastern districts were formed.
WTF do U.S. Representatives do?
Our U.S. Representatives are Montana’s voice in Congress, where there are a total of 435 Representatives from across the nation. Thanks to population growth reflected in the 2020 Census, Montana is officially a two-Rep state for the first time since 1990, which makes this election exciting AF! Representatives vote on laws and budgets, introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments, and are responsible for making sure their constituents’ needs are reflected in national conversations.
The U.S. House of Representatives has power to vote on laws that impact the whole nation, including us here in Montana. With the addition of a second seat in the House, Montanans have a more proportionally accurate vote in this election than we’ve had in years, meaning we get more say in who is representing us on a national scale. You don’t want to waste that power!
To skip to your district’s U.S. House voter guide, click the link for your district below:
To view which district you are in, please see the map below:
Western District (mt 01) voter guide
*All responses from candidates are unedited and portrayed exactly as they were submitted to our questionnaire.
Monica Tranel (d)
Endorsements: Senator Jon Tester, League of Conservation Voters, National Organization for Women
Website link
If elected, would you support the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to ensure access to abortion?
Yes.
Do you support improving access for all voters to the ballot by maintaining and expanding vote by mail programs, same day voter registration services, satellite election offices, and automatic and online voter registration?
Yes.
Please identify what you think the national minimum wage should be.
$15
If elected, how will you work to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected on a national level?
LGBTQ2S+ Montanans are our neighbors, friends, and family. Everyone in our communities should feel safe and welcome, and able to contribute their skills and resources to the world we all share. I will co-sponsor the Equality Act, protect all people from discrimination and ensure all are safe in public places. I will not waiver from those values.
If elected, would you support student debt relief? Why or why not?
*Candidates were asked this question prior to the student loan forgiveness announcement on August 24, 2022, that forgives debt based on household income and eligibility of the federal Pell Grant.
I support making college more affordable by increasing the availability of need-based scholarships and by charging students the interest rate that the Federal government charges banks. Montana’s community colleges and trade schools provide educational programs for our working families and that are essential to those who wish to acquire vocational skills or transition careers. I fully support free and affordable tuition to community colleges.
What actions, if any, would you support through this office to prevent climate change and assist those most impacted by our changing climate and economy?
Climate crisis is real. We deal with the consequences of it every day. Montana must be a leader in responding to this. I have worked in renewable energy throughout my career, and know how our laws work – and don’t work. We must invest in energy for today and abundant renewable resources for tomorrow. Prosperity and well-planned mitigation efforts will build a resilient climate and will protect our world and future.
If elected, would you support the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to ensure access to abortion?
No response.
Do you support improving access for all voters to the ballot by maintaining and expanding vote by mail programs, same day voter registration services, satellite election offices, and automatic and online voter registration?
No response.
Please identify what you think the national minimum wage should be.
No response.
If elected, how will you work to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected on a national level?
No response.
If elected, would you support student debt relief? Why or why not?
*Candidates were asked this question prior to the student loan forgiveness announcement on August 24, 2022, that forgives debt based on household income and eligibility of the federal Pell Grant.
No response.
What actions, if any, would you support through this office to prevent climate change and assist those most impacted by our changing climate and economy?
No response.
John Lamb (l)
endorsements: No response.
If elected, would you support the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to ensure access to abortion?
No response.
Do you support improving access for all voters to the ballot by maintaining and expanding vote by mail programs, same day voter registration services, satellite election offices, and automatic and online voter registration?
No response.
Please identify what you think the national minimum wage should be.
No response.
If elected, how will you work to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected on a national level?
No response.
If elected, would you support student debt relief? Why or why not?
*Candidates were asked this question prior to the student loan forgiveness announcement on August 24, 2022, that forgives debt based on household income and eligibility of the federal Pell Grant.
No response.
What actions, if any, would you support through this office to prevent climate change and assist those most impacted by our changing climate and economy?
No response.
Eastern District (mt 02) voter guide
*All responses from candidates are unedited and portrayed exactly as they were submitted to our questionnaire.
penny Ronning (d)
Endorsements: Attorney Stephanie Baucus, Representative Mary Ann Dunwell (D), former Representative Brent Cromley (D)
Website Link
If elected, would you support the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to ensure access to abortion?
Yes.
Do you support improving access for all voters to the ballot by maintaining and expanding vote by mail programs, same day voter registration services, satellite election offices, and automatic and online voter registration?
Yes.
Please identify what you think the national minimum wage should be.
$15
If elected, how will you work to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected on a national level?
I support the Equality Act and believe this bill must be passed and signed into law. In recent weeks, we have learned how critical this process is to the rights and freedoms of every American. I also support the following: Fair and Equal Housing Act, GLOBE Act, Global Respect Act, Safe Schools Improvement Act, Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act, Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, and more.
If elected, would you support student debt relief? Why or why not?
*Candidates were asked this question prior to the student loan forgiveness announcement on August 24, 2022, that forgives debt based on household income and eligibility of the federal Pell Grant.
Yes. An educated citizenry benefits the well-being, prosperity, and future of a country. Higher education is about the individual AND the country. An educated citizenry builds economies, cures diseases, increases production and development, and much more. Education is about investment – both in the individual and the well-being of our country and our democracy. Cost prohibitive education and student loan debt is burdening our economy and hurting our country.
What actions, if any, would you support through this office to prevent climate change and assist those most impacted by our changing climate and economy?
Montana’s agriculture families have been at the forefront of responsible land stewardship. I support funding for public research and development for crops and cropping systems, methods to maintain healthy soil conditions, and examining options to combat drought. I support the United States becoming energy independent. Montana can help lead the way through wind and solar power development, biofuels, clean coal technologies, responsible oil and gas production, urban forests, and more.
If elected, would you support the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to ensure access to abortion?
No response.
Do you support improving access for all voters to the ballot by maintaining and expanding vote by mail programs, same day voter registration services, satellite election offices, and automatic and online voter registration?
No response.
Please identify what you think the national minimum wage should be.
No response.
If elected, how will you work to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected on a national level?
No response.
If elected, would you support student debt relief? Why or why not?
*Candidates were asked this question prior to the student loan forgiveness announcement on August 24, 2022, that forgives debt based on household income and eligibility of the federal Pell Grant.
No response.
What actions, if any, would you support through this office to prevent climate change and assist those most impacted by our changing climate and economy?
No response.
If elected, would you support the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to ensure access to abortion?
Yes.
Do you support improving access for all voters to the ballot by maintaining and expanding vote by mail programs, same day voter registration services, satellite election offices, and automatic and online voter registration?
Yes.
Please identify what you think the national minimum wage should be.
$13-$15
If elected, how will you work to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected on a national level?
I support legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. I support the Equality Act, Fair & Equal Housing Act of 2021, and Jury Non-Discrimination Act, to name a few. My commitment & support of the LGBTQIA+ community has been constant, reliable, and genuine & will continue to be.
If elected, would you support student debt relief? Why or why not?
*Candidates were asked this question prior to the student loan forgiveness announcement on August 24, 2022, that forgives debt based on household income and eligibility of the federal Pell Grant.
I would support up to $10,000 per student debt relief. Why: the burden on society from the people carrying oppressive student debt is a drag on the overall economy. I believe the positive emotional boost to the debtors would be beneficial to the country overall. In addition, a screening system so it does not go to people who do not deserve it.
What actions, if any, would you support through this office to prevent climate change and assist those most impacted by our changing climate and economy?
SEC’s requirement publicly traded Cos need to disclose the climate risks and greenhouse gas emissions; renovate 100,000 public schools to improve student’s health, improving efficiency of lighting, insulation, etc; transition the 500,000 yellow school buses to electricity; support National Building Performance Standards Coalition to reduce emissions from buildings, the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. I support assistance via existing programs targeting lower income people impacted by climate change.
gARY bUCHANAN (i)
Endorsements: Montana AFL-CIO, MFPE, former Governor Marc Racicot (R), former Representative Dorothy Bradley (D)
Website Link
If elected, would you support the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to ensure access to abortion?
Yes.
Do you support improving access for all voters to the ballot by maintaining and expanding vote by mail programs, same day voter registration services, satellite election offices, and automatic and online voter registration?
Yes.
Please identify what you think the national minimum wage should be.
$12-$15
If elected, how will you work to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected on a national level?
I support all human rights, including LGBTQ+, and the individual’s rights of personal choice. Our last legislature promoted attacks on human rights in many arenas. I am a MT Constitionalist . I believe we have the best State Constitution in the USA. I am pro privacy. Our Montana Constitution protects our individual right to privacy. I will continue to fight to protect our states constitution.
If elected, would you support student debt relief? Why or why not?
*Candidates were asked this question prior to the student loan forgiveness announcement on August 24, 2022, that forgives debt based on household income and eligibility of the federal Pell Grant.
I do not support widespread forgiveness. A loan is a loan, a debt is a debt, and a bond is a bond. As former Chairman of the Montana Banking Board in the turbulent early 80’s we found a number of banks that needed to restructure debt to survive. I am receptive to some of the President’s measures particularly involving fraud. We need much better student counseling at the High School and College level. A recent focus group I held with 19-year-old students pointed to a real lack of financial advice to students as to the legal consequences in borrowing money. Debt education should be taught when borrowing money.
What actions, if any, would you support through this office to prevent climate change and assist those most impacted by our changing climate and economy?
Climate change needs to be acknowledged as the crisis of our generation. I am delighted that the US has rejoined international organizations like The Paris Climate Accords. We have a near term problem of Ukraine and inflation that needs to be addressed. We have to address the problem of energy independence on our way to providing alternative resources. Montana has to step up charging stations for electric vehicles. The Earths changing climate is real and we have to make efforts to protect our planet.
MT Supreme Court
WTF does the Montana Supreme Court do?
The Montana Supreme Court is made up of seven people: six Associate Justices and one Chief Justice. Each judge on the bench is elected by Montanans in a nonpartisan election and serves an eight-year term. This year, there are two seats up for voters to decide on.
The Montana Supreme Court hears cases that have been appealed in lower (district) courts, which means that one side of the dispute thinks the original decision was wrong, unfair, or unconstitutional. There are some types of cases — like those that center around a constitutional question that would affect the whole state —where the Montana Supreme Court has original jurisdiction, meaning they are the first court to hear a case.
The Montana Supreme Court is responsible for interpreting and applying our state’s constitution. There are a lot of things that are broken AF about Montana politics, but our state constitution includes unique protections for things like privacy and a healthful environment. The Supreme Court also provides vital checks and balances on the power of the legislative and executive branches of our state government.
*All responses from candidates are unedited and portrayed exactly as they were submitted to our questionnaire.
Supreme Court Justice Seat #1
BILL D’ALTON
Endorsements: No Response.
Do judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the courts? If so, how should they carry out that obligation?
No response.
Judicial races are nonpartisan races. Do you think judicial races should be partisan? Why or why not?
No response.
What role do you believe the Montana Supreme Court plays in providing checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches?
No response.
What reforms or policies can be implemented to account for implicit bias in the courtroom?
No response.
Do judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the courts? If so, how should they carry out that obligation?
Judges must play a leading role in providing education about the work of the courts, a task never more important than now. Surveys reveal that the public’s understanding of role of the courts in our system is generally weak, and I believe this has contributed to recent efforts to undermine the courts. I have and will continue to speak frequently in public forums about the court’s vital work.
Judicial races are nonpartisan races. Do you think judicial races should be partisan? Why or why not?
I strongly believe judicial races should be nonpartisan. We are fortunate that Montanans elect judges on nonpartisan ballots, and we must endeavor to keep that. Judicial decisions should be based upon an impartial application of the law, and nothing else—political platforms and influence should have no part. Public confidence in the judiciary depends upon an assurance that decisions will be made based upon the law, without bias or influence.
What role do you believe the Montana Supreme Court plays in providing checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches?
From the beginning of our constitutional system, courts have held the power of “judicial review”—to declare what the law is, including the legality of actions taken by the other branches. The Montana Supreme Court carefully exercises that authority. Although the Court has no army, by staying within its own constitutional boundaries, not overreaching or legislating, it retains the support from the public necessary for the exercise of its authority.
What reforms or policies can be implemented to account for implicit bias in the courtroom?
The Montana Supreme Court is currently conducting a study of disparity in sentencing based upon factors such as race. Other possible biases have been addressed in court opinions, such as in jury selection. While we should be careful about adopting formulaic solutions based only on theory, we must be open to credible concerns, undertake necessary review our processes for bias and unequal treatment, and employ appropriately concrete solutions.
Supreme Court Justice Seat #2
JAMES BROWN
Endorsements: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R), U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R), Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R)
Website link
Do judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the courts? If so, how should they carry out that obligation?
No response.
Judicial races are nonpartisan races. Do you think judicial races should be partisan? Why or why not?
No response.
What role do you believe the Montana Supreme Court plays in providing checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches?
No response.
What reforms or policies can be implemented to account for implicit bias in the courtroom?
No response.
Ingrid Gustafson
Endorsements: Montana Conservation Voters, Montana Sportsmen Alliance, judges and attorneys across Montana
Website Link
Do judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the courts? If so, how should they carry out that obligation?
Absolutely. To do so, judges should: 1) strive to issue clear, concise opinions setting forth the factual/legal analysis; 2) when possible, engage with schools/universities to educate students’ (i.e. be a speaker at Law Day, assist with college seminars, or, for appellate courts, regularly schedule arguments on educational campuses); 3) engage in community opportunities to talk about courts; and 4) engage with professional organizations to promote public understanding of the courts.
Judicial races are nonpartisan races. Do you think judicial races should be partisan? Why or why not?
Judicial races should be non-partisan. A fair and independent judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy. To provide Justice for everyone, maintain our rule of law, and assure our three branches of government work as our Constitution provides, judges must be able to act free of the pressures of partisan politics, special-interest groups, and the other branches of government. Judges should have fidelity to the law, not to political ideology.
What role do you believe the Montana Supreme Court plays in providing checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches?
The MTSC provides checks and balances on the legislature through judicial review and interpretation of legislatively enacted laws. The MTSC exercises judicial review to determine if enacted legislation is constitutional or not and judicial interpretation to determine what enacted laws mean and how they are applied in specific cases. Similarly, the MTSC has the power to determine whether acts of the executive branch are constitutional or not.
What reforms or policies can be implemented to account for implicit bias in the courtroom?
Courts can adopt policies promoting equal access to justice and equal treatment under the law for all. At the MTSC we have implemented judicial training regarding implicit bias, we conducted an Analysis of Racial Equity in Montana’s Criminal Justice System to guide policy decision-making, we have been engaged in improving pretrial practices to reduce impacts of implicit bias, and we are coordinating with legal scholars to investigate improvements for jury selection.
Ballot Initiatives
WTF is a ballot initiative?
There are many different types of ballot initiatives. They all have one thing in common: they are proposed laws that can be passed or rejected by voters (that’s you!).
In Montana, any person or group can propose a ballot initiative or constitutional amendment; if they pass a legal review and gather enough signatures, that proposal will appear on the ballot.
The Montana State Legislature can also refer proposed laws to voters through legislative referendums (like LR-131, which originated in the MT legislature as HB167). The legislature can also propose constitutional amendments that will then be voted on by the state’s electorate (again, that’s you!). This is how CA-48 ended up on your ballot this year.
LR-131: Medical Care Requirements for ‘Born-Alive’ Infants:
The measure would require medical care to be provided to infants ‘born alive’ by classifying a born-alive infant as “a legal person for all purposes under the laws of the state … entitled to the protections of the laws, including the right to appropriate and reasonable medical care and treatment.” The law would require infants that are born alive after an induced labor, a cesarean section, or another method to receive medical care.
Currently, Montana law states that a person commits an offense if they “purposely, knowingly, or negligently cause the death of a premature infant born alive, if the infant is viable.” If passed, this law would primarily impact families dealing with inductions due to serious unforeseen medical conditions of the infant and/or the pregnant person.
A “no” vote opposes this law and:
- Allows Montanans to make private medical decisions about their health care;
- Maintains a family’s right to determine the level of care they want provided in consultation with their medical team; and
- Allows medical professionals to exercise their best medical judgment without fear of prosecution or penalty.
Those who oppose: ACLU of Montana, Susan Wicklund Fund, Montana Racial Equity Project, Planned Parenthood of Montana, Montana Medical Association
A “yes” vote supports this ballot measure to:
- State that infants born alive at any stage of development are legal persons;
- Require medical care to be provided to infants born alive after an induced labor, cesarean section, or another method; and
- Establish a $50,000 fine and/or 20 years in prison as the maximum penalty for violating the law.
Those who support: Montana Family Foundation, Pro-Life Helena, Matt Regier (R), Greg Gianforte (R)
CA-48: requires search warrant to access a person’s electronic data
A “no” vote on CA-48 means that you support law enforcement officers being able to access a person’s electronic data (like search histories, texts, cell phone contacts, etc.) without a search warrant.
A “yes” vote on CA-48 means that you think law enforcement officers should have to obtain a search warrant in order to access a person’s electronic data (like search histories, texts, cell phone contacts, etc.), and that you support a constitutional amendment to enforce this rule.