Click any of the articles below to read the most recent news about Montana politics and elections.
Montana Politics Latest
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Signature gathering begins for ballot measure on nonpartisan judicial elections
A ruling this week from the Montana Supreme Court means that signature gathering can begin for one of the proposed ballot measures that seeks to ensure Montana judicial elections remain nonpartisan.
Montana PSC approves partial rate increase for NorthWestern Energy
After two days of discussion and debate, the Montana Public Service Commission has made its decision on NorthWestern Energy’s proposals to increase electric and gas rates.
Gianforte will chair the Republican Governors Association in 2026 election cycle
Going into the 2026 election cycle, Gov. Greg Gianforte has been chosen to lead the national organization that advocates for electing Republican governors.
Groups sue Montana over exempt wells water impacts
Earlier this month, MTN reported on changes in how Montana is handling water rights for developments that use “exempt wells.” Now, a new lawsuit is challenging the use of exempt wells altogether.
Montanans start seeing effects of new property tax laws
Across Montana, homeowners are starting to see the first evidence of the changes lawmakers made to property taxes earlier this year.
Montana U.S. Senate race: Daines up for third term, three Democrats running
One year before the 2024 U.S. Senate race in Montana, voters had already been seeing political ads on TV for more than three months.
Montana's Eastern Congressional District: Downing running, two Democrats file
Since Montana was divided into congressional districts again in 2022, the state’s 2nd Congressional District has been dominated by Republicans.
Montana Western Congressional District: Zinke up for re-election, 2 challengers
There’s now less than a year to go until the 2026 elections in Montana. Three members of Montana’s congressional delegation are up for election next year.
Montana leaders talk about plan to reopen government
The longest federal government shutdown in history has dragged on for more than 40 days, but it appears Congress is now on a path toward reopening.
Some are worried after state warns subdivision's water rights aren't secure
Across Montana, homeowners are finding themselves in a legal limbo, as the state says it’s had to change the way it regulates water rights for certain subdivisions.
Supporters ask Montana Supreme Court to revive political spending ballot measure
The sponsors of a proposed ballot initiative that aims to keep corporations from spending money in Montana elections are now going to the state Supreme Court.
Montana Supreme Court upholds state vaccine discrimination law
In a unanimous ruling, the Montana Supreme Court has upheld a 2021 state law that banned discrimination based on whether someone has been vaccinated. -
McKnight responds to release of highly charged voicemail to Sheehy's office
Just a day before Helena’s city elections, Sen. Tim Sheehy’s office said they received a threatening voicemail earlier this year from one of the candidates: Haley McKnight, running for commission.
Montana PSC controversies continue as Molnar files ethics complaint on Bukacek
A week after the commission that regulates Montana utilities removed its president, the controversy surrounding the agency is far from over.
Montana's congressional delegation pushing back on plan to import Argentina beef
When President Donald Trump announced a plan last week to import more beef from Argentina, it drew quick criticism from ranchers in Montana.
Election officials contacting voters who had ballots rejected due to new law
Across Montana, election officials are warning they’ve seen a number of voters tripped up by a new state requirement this year: that mail voters write their birth year when signing ballot envelopes.
SNAP advocates want state to step in; Gianforte says it's federal responsibility
On Nov. 1, federal authorities say funding will run out for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps lower-income families pay for food.
U.S. Rep. Troy Downing tours Helena airport as federal shutdown continues
Without work happening in the U.S. House, that’s left members like Montana’s Rep. Troy Downing to make the case for resolving the funding impasse from their home districts.
Supporters of judicial election initiatives challenge attorney general's review
In Montana, there are currently three active proposals for constitutional amendments that would require state judicial elections to remain nonpartisan.
Trump nominates Montana corrections director Gootkin as U.S. Marshal
President Donald Trump has announced he’ll appoint the director of the Montana Department of Corrections as the state’s U.S. Marshal.
Billings state Rep. Mercer confirmed as federal judge
The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed state Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, as Montana’s newest federal judge.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana investigated over data breach
The Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Office has launched an investigation into Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) following a major data breach.
Montana PSC removes Molnar as president
Months of turmoil at the state commission that regulates utilities in Montana reached a climax Tuesday, as a narrow majority on the Montana Public Service Commission voted to remove its president.
Montana DEQ solicits public comments on guidance for greenhouse gas assessments
In the aftermath of the Held climate lawsuit two years ago, Montana regulators began analyzing how proposed projects could affect greenhouse gas emissions. -
Federal judge dismisses Lighthiser v. Trump youth climate lawsuit
A federal judge in Missoula has dismissed a lawsuit from a group of young plaintiffs, challenging the Trump administration’s energy policies.
Montana PSC votes against reopening hearings in NorthWestern Energy rate case
The Montana Public Service Commission has voted down a proposal from its president to reopen hearings on NorthWestern Energy’s ongoing rate case.
Judge rules Gianforte can consider complaint against PSC president Molnar
A state district judge in Helena has ruled against Montana Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar, allowing Gov. Greg Gianforte to consider temporarily suspending Molnar from his position.
U.S. Rep. Downing says pressure building on lawmakers as shutdown continues
The ongoing federal government shutdown has dragged into a second week, and there’s no sign yet that lawmakers are closer to resolving the impasses that have held up funding.
Congress overturns Biden-era ban on BLM coal leases in eastern Montana
Republicans in Congress have voted to overturn a Biden administration rule that closed off new federal coal leases in the Powder River Basin of eastern Montana.
A look inside Turning Point USA's visit to Montana State University
Turning Point USA drew 3,300 attendees to Montana State University featuring Vivek Ramaswamy and Governor Greg Gianforte in packed fieldhouse event.
