Tom is from Helena, MT. He lives with his wife, with whom he has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. He earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture from Montana State University-Bozeman. 

Tom is currently retired. Prior, he worked as a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial for 27 years. 

Ballotpedia: Tom McGillvray

Tom McGillvray is the current state senator representing District 23. He was elected in 2020. Tom was first elected to the Montana House of Representatives in 2004, and served as Majority Whip in 2007, House Majority Leader in 2011, and chaired the Montana Republican Legislative Campaign Committee from 2009 to 2011. 

Opposes large and centralized government.

- Opposes large and centralized government.

Economy

Opposes gun control and supports the Second Amendment.

- Opposes gun control and supports the Second Amendment.

Public Safety

As of June 7, 2025, Tom McGillvray’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Healthcare

Advocates for the right of parents to direct and choose their children's education.

- Advocates for the right of parents to direct and choose their children's education.

Education

Voting & Elections

Believes that the greatest threat to wildlands and waters are "noxious weeds and invasive species," and plans to support legislation that protects native lands and waters.

- Believes that the greatest threat to wildlands and waters are "noxious weeds and invasive species," and plans to support legislation that protects native lands and waters.

Energy & the Environment

Facebook

Tom McGillvray

LinkedIn

Karen earned her bachelor's degree in urban studies from San Francisco State University. She has a son and grandchildren.

Karen is currently retired. Previously, she worked as a senior social scientist for NewFields and Geomatrix.

Karen Lyncoln's campaign for state senator is her first entry into politics.

As of June 7, 2025, Karen Lyncoln’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Karen Lyncoln

- Your State Senator participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 50 members of the Montana Senate. The Montana Senate is the upper house of the Montana State Legislature (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Senator drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Senator can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Senator is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- State Senators are elected to a 4-year term. Individuals can serve no more than 8 years in a 16-year period.