Keep up with the latest news in Montana politics - check out the most recent articles:
Montana Politics
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How 2026 is shaping up in Montana politics
2026 is here, and that means Montana is once again in an election year. But chances are the election hasn’t felt as ever-present this time around.
Judge suspends Ellsworth from Senate during official misconduct case
A state judge in Helena has agreed to temporarily suspend former Montana Senate President Sen. Jason Ellsworth from office, while he goes through the legal process on a charge of official misconduct.
Governor won't suspend Molnar from Montana PSC while investigation continues
Gov. Greg Gianforte has ruled there’s no need to suspend Montana Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar from office until an investigation against him is completed.
U.S. House advances bill to remove gray wolves from endangered species list
The U.S. House has narrowly approved a bill that would remove gray wolves from the federal endangered species list across the country.
Montana AG's office files official misconduct charge against Ellsworth
Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, will face a criminal charge for official misconduct, in connection with the controversy over state contracts that upended the Montana Legislature’s 2025 session.
Former Montana Heritage Commission director sentenced for embezzlement
On Thursday morning, Michael Allen appeared before a judge in Helena and made a tearful apology. He pleaded guilty in October.
Some Montanans could be affected by expiring ACA subsidies
In 2025, more than 77,000 Montanans got health insurance through HealthCare.gov. The vast majority of them – around 69,000 – got some form of assistance to lower their costs.
Montana PSC changes course on NorthWestern Colstrip intervention
As NorthWestern Energy prepared to take over majority control of the Colstrip power plant, regulators sought to intervene in the company’s plan to assign newly acquired electricity to a subsidiary.
Montana AG's office rejects proposed ballot measure on initiative process
Yet another proposed ballot measure in Montana is now caught up in legal action. Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office ruled a constitutional amendment didn’t meet requirements for the ballot.
Montana marijuana businesses hope for federal rescheduling
For years, there has been talk that the federal government might move toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Tax rate reductions for Montana unemployment insurance take effect
Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office says more than 32,000 businesses are going to see lower rates for unemployment insurance, because of a new law passed during the 2025 Montana legislative session.
MT Supreme Court rules in favor of proposed nonpartisan judicial initiative
The Montana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a group sponsoring a proposed ballot measure that would require the state’s judicial elections remain nonpartisan. -
State solicits input on the future of governor's residence
Since 1959, a building at the corner of Carson Street and Broadway in Helena has served as the state-owned home for Montana’s governors and their families – but it’s currently sitting empty.
Education savings accounts law ruled unconstitutional
A state judge has ruled the Montana law that created education savings accounts for students with special needs is unconstitutional.
Plaintiffs in Held climate lawsuit file second suit against state of Montana
A year after the Montana Supreme Court ruled in favor of a group of young plaintiffs in the Held v. Montana climate lawsuit, 13 of those 16 plaintiffs are challenging another set of state laws.
Knudsen will head national effort to elect GOP attorneys general candidates
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has been elected to lead the national organization that advocates for electing Republican attorneys general.
NorthWestern Energy goes to regulators with plans for larger share in Colstrip
At the end of the year, NorthWestern Energy is set to take over majority ownership of the Colstrip power plant.
Montana Ag: What 'Waters of the U.S.' changes could mean
The Trump administration is proposing changes to the definition of what bodies of water are considered “the waters of the United States.”
New design features for Montana driver's licenses
Department leaders say the new design is intended to be more secure and harder to copy, to protect against fraud and identity theft.
Montana PSC: Regulator dismisses Molnar's ethics complaint against Bukacek
It’s just the latest step in an ongoing string on controversies that has surrounded the five-member commission for much of the year.
