- The US Senator is a member of the United States Senate, the upper house of the United States Congress. There are a total of 100 US Senators. Montana, like every other US state, has two senators. 
- US Senators have a great deal of power when it comes to bringing the concerns of their state to the national arena. US Senators can author, sponsor, amend, debate and vote on bills which may become national law. 
- US Senators have an important role in deciding who runs the federal government. They hold confirmation hearings for most presidential appointees, including new Supreme Court Justices and Presidential Cabinet Members.
- Senators can be appointed to committees which focus on particular issues. Examples include the Appropriations Committee, which handles budget planning, or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is a diplomatic body that welcomes foreign delegations.
- Senators are elected to six-year terms in statewide elections. US Senators are paid a salary of $174,000/year.

One of two federal lawmakers representing Montana in the US Senate

Montana

2024 Montana General Election

2024 Montana Primary Elections

Economic Growth

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Healthcare

Voting & Elections

Energy & the Environment

Economy

Public Safety

Education

US Senator

- The Governor is the chief executive of the state and is tasked with faithfully carrying out the laws of the state. 
- The Governor prepares the annual state budget, meaning they recommend how money gets divided between various government divisions, such as police, education, healthcare, and roads. This budget must be approved by state lawmakers.
- The Governor has significant power over what laws get made in the state. They advocate for their legislative agenda. They also can veto legislation passed by the state legislature. 
- The Governor is elected for a four-year term, with a limit of 2 terms every 16 years.

The chief executive of the state, who plays a significant role in the laws made every year

Civil Rights

Healthcare Costs

Governor

- The State Auditor of Montana is also known as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. This office does not function like typical state auditors who oversee public accounts; instead, it focuses on regulating the insurance and securities sectors within Montana.
- The State Auditor ensures that insurance companies, securities issuers, and related financial entities comply with state laws. This role is vital in protecting consumers and supporting the financial stability of the state.
- The State Auditor's responsibilities include licensing, auditing, and regulating all entities involved in Montana's insurance and securities industries. This oversight helps maintain a fair and lawful market environment.
- The office also plays a role in consumer protection by addressing complaints against insurance and securities entities, thus ensuring that Montanans receive fair treatment in these sectors.
- The State Auditor serves a four-year long term.

Regulates the insurance and securities industries

Consumer Protection

Insurance

Financial Management

State Auditor

- The Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees the K-12 public education system.
- The Superintendent has a broad range of duties, including general supervision over public schools and school districts. This encompasses school finance, educational law, teacher certification, school accreditation, learning assessments, and the administration of federally funded educational programs.
- Additionally, the Superintendent serves on several important boards, including the Land Board, the State Library Commission, the Board of Public Education, and the Board of Regents for the University System, contributing to policies that affect educational and resource management across the state.

Oversees the K-12 public education system in the state

Student Wellbeing

School Curriculum

School Facilities & Resources

Teachers

Access to Education

Ethics & Conduct

Superintendent of Public Instruction

- The Montana Supreme Court is very similar to the US Supreme Court. The Montana Supreme Court consists of seven judges and serves as the highest court in the state. This court is the final authority on interpreting the Montana Constitution.
- Supreme Court Justices handle appeals, which are reviews of lower court decisions that someone believes were incorrect or unfair. These cases can range from civil disputes to criminal convictions.
- Unlike lower courts, the Montana Supreme Court does not conduct trials with witnesses and juries. Instead, they focus on legal arguments and the application of law based on written briefs, and sometimes through structured oral arguments if further discussion is needed.
- The Justices work collaboratively, deciding cases as a group by majority vote and then issuing a written opinion to explain their decision. This collaborative process ensures a balanced and thoroughly considered judgment.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.

A judge that serves on the highest court in the State

Criminal Justice

Voting Access

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

State Supreme Court Justice

- The Attorney General of Montana serves as the chief legal officer of the state. The Attorney General's Office provides legal services to state agencies, represents Montana in civil cases, and assists in prosecuting criminal cases across the state.
- This office is pivotal in enforcing state laws, including consumer protection, internet crimes against children, and cases involving the death penalty. It also plays a significant role in complex legal matters such as American Indian jurisdiction and federal reserved water rights.
- Elected to office, the Attorney General of Montana cannot engage in private legal practice while in office.
- The Attorney General’s leadership extends beyond courtroom advocacy, influencing legal policy and providing essential legal advice to the Governor and state government departments, thereby shaping the legal landscape of Montana.

The chief attorney and prosecutor in Montana

Corruption

Attorney General

- The Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court handles all the paperwork for appeals, which are requests to review decisions made by lower courts. The office checks that these documents meet the court's standards, and makes sure everything is in order for the Supreme Court to consider the case.
- As the keeper of the court's records, the Clerk's office ensures that all decisions and files of the Supreme Court are available to the public. This role is key for keeping the court's work transparent and accessible to everyone.
- The Clerk also helps manage disagreements before they go to court through a process called mediation, which aims to resolve issues more amicably. Additionally, the Clerk is responsible for issuing official legal documents and maintaining the list of licensed lawyers in Montana.

2024 Montana candidates

Montana US Senator, Democratic Primary

2 candidates

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Montana US Senator, Green Party Primary

2 candidates

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Montana Governor, Republican Primary

2 candidates

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Montana Governor, Democratic Primary

2 candidates

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Montana State Auditor, Republican Primary

2 candidates

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Republican Primary

2 candidates

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Montana State Supreme Court Justice

3 candidates

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Montana US Senator, Republican Primary

3 candidates

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Montana Attorney General, Republican Primary

2 candidates

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Montana Clerk of Supreme Court, Democratic Primary

2 candidates