Jonathan attended the University of Montana, where he earned a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology with a minor in climate change studies and a master's degree in public administration. He resides in the Missoula community.

Jonathan works as a research associate at the University of Montana's Boone & Crockett Wildlife Conservation Program and as an instructor with the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program. He has previously served as a Max Baucus Leader in the U.S. Senate and a Demmer Scholar with the Legislative Affairs Office of the U.S. Forest Service. Additionally, he has been involved with the Western Governors' Association Leadership Institute.

Jonathan Karlen was elected to serve House District 96 in 2022 and began his first term in 2023. During the 2023 Legislative Session, he served on four committees and passed four bills. He is also a Co-Chair for the Montana Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (MDLCC) and serves on the Economic Affairs Interim Committee and Environmental Quality Council.

Candidate website

Said, "Our tax relief plans include capping a family’s property tax burden at a minimal portion of their household income; passing a homestead exemption for a family’s primary residence; and expanding the elderly homeowner and renter credits... We’re also partnering with stakeholders to reduce dependency on property tax revenue for schools and local government..."

Said, "Our tax relief plans include capping a family’s property tax burden at a minimal portion of their household income; passing a homestead exemption for a family’s primary residence; and expanding the elderly homeowner and renter credits... We’re also partnering with stakeholders to reduce dependency on property tax revenue for schools and local government."

Supports HB 280 for long-term property tax relief through income tax credits, noting its bipartisan committee approval and potential for significant savings for Missoula families, despite lacking sufficient Republican support to pass. Plans to work on a bipartisan tax solution during the interim.

Supports HB 280 for long-term property tax relief through income tax credits, noting its bipartisan committee approval and potential for significant savings for Missoula families, despite lacking sufficient Republican support to pass, and plans to work on a bipartisan tax solution during the interim.

Supports tax reforms to aid families and balance fiscal burdens, endorsing child tax credits, property tax cuts, and EITC expansion, funded by higher capital gains taxes and new tax brackets for top earners; acknowledges partial bipartisan backing, despite the bill's failure.

The candidate's website says, "HB 258 - Property tax rebate for homeowners and renters... Jonathan brought a bill that included renters using existing definitions of rent-equivalent property tax... it was killed by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee in favor of legislation that excludes renters."

The candidate's website says, "[Sponsored] HB 258, detailing property tax rebate for homeowners and renters... Jonathan brought a bill that included renters using existing definitions of rent-equivalent property tax."

The candidate's website says, "HB 465 - This bill ... unlocks funding for ... local governments to use for building permit review and approval. The legislation was strongly supported by ... industry, and housing stakeholders."

The candidate's website says, "[Sponsored] HB 465 - This bill ... unlocks funding for ... local governments to use for building permit review and approval. The legislation was strongly supported by ... industry, and housing stakeholders."

Said, "House Bill 421 - This bill would have required financial institutions to report cases of suspected financial exploitation... I am continuing to be in touch with stakeholders to do everything possible to protect Montanans from fraudulent practices."

Said, "[Sponsored] HB 421 - This bill would have required financial institutions to report cases of suspected financial exploitation... I am continuing to be in touch with stakeholders to do everything possible to protect Montanans from fraudulent practices."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 235 - This bill was Jonathan's fiscally responsible approach to cutting taxes that Montanans pay on Social Security benefits... The legislature chose not to pass any form of a Social Security tax reduction despite bipartisan support."

The candidate's website says, "[Sponsored] HB 235 - This bill was Jonathan's fiscally responsible approach to cutting taxes that Montanans pay on Social Security benefits... The legislature chose not to pass any form of a Social Security tax reduction despite bipartisan support."

The candidate's website says, "Hb 849 - Provide mortgage assistance and invest in affordable housing via the Coal Trust"

The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 849 - Provided mortgage assistance and invested in affordable housing via the Coal Trust."

The candidate's website says, "Passing legislation to enhance mobile home park residents' rights"

The candidate's website says, "[Passed] legislation to enhance mobile home park residents' rights."

The candidate's website says, "HB 898 - Increasing funding for the Microbusiness Development Act"

The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 898 - Increasing funding for the Microbusiness Development Act."

- Said, "Our tax relief plans include capping a family’s property tax burden at a minimal portion of their household income; passing a homestead exemption for a family’s primary residence; and expanding the elderly homeowner and renter credits... We’re also partnering with stakeholders to reduce dependency on property tax revenue for schools and local government."
- Supports HB 280 for long-term property tax relief through income tax credits, noting its bipartisan committee approval and potential for significant savings for Missoula families, despite lacking sufficient Republican support to pass, and plans to work on a bipartisan tax solution during the interim.
- Supports tax reforms to aid families and balance fiscal burdens, endorsing child tax credits, property tax cuts, and EITC expansion, funded by higher capital gains taxes and new tax brackets for top earners; acknowledges partial bipartisan backing, despite the bill's failure.
- The candidate's website says, "[Sponsored] HB 258, detailing property tax rebate for homeowners and renters... Jonathan brought a bill that included renters using existing definitions of rent-equivalent property tax."
- The candidate's website says, "[Sponsored] HB 465 - This bill ... unlocks funding for ... local governments to use for building permit review and approval. The legislation was strongly supported by ... industry, and housing stakeholders."
- Said, "[Sponsored] HB 421 - This bill would have required financial institutions to report cases of suspected financial exploitation... I am continuing to be in touch with stakeholders to do everything possible to protect Montanans from fraudulent practices."
- The candidate's website says, "[Sponsored] HB 235 - This bill was Jonathan's fiscally responsible approach to cutting taxes that Montanans pay on Social Security benefits... The legislature chose not to pass any form of a Social Security tax reduction despite bipartisan support."
- The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 849 - Provided mortgage assistance and invested in affordable housing via the Coal Trust."
- The candidate's website says, "[Passed] legislation to enhance mobile home park residents' rights."
- The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 898 - Increasing funding for the Microbusiness Development Act."

Economy

As State Representative, served on the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) and Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Working Group committees.

Fought legislation that weakens Montana’s climate and environmental protection laws.

- As State Representative, served on the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) and Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Working Group committees.
- Fought legislation that weakens Montana’s climate and environmental protection laws.

Energy & the Environment

The candidate's website says, "HB 649 - Increase provider rates for nursing homes and long-term care facilities."

The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 649 - Increase provider rates for nursing homes and long-term care facilities."

- The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 649 - Increase provider rates for nursing homes and long-term care facilities."

Healthcare

The candidate's website says, "HB 845 - Working with Billings public defender James Reavis, this bill passed the legislature and was signed into law. The bill cut red tape for public defenders and other state employees needing to access vital legal information."

Sponsored HB 845, which works with Billings public defender James Reavis; this bill passed the legislature and was signed into law. The bill cut red tape for public defenders and other state employees needing to access vital legal information."

- Sponsored HB 845, which works with Billings public defender James Reavis; this bill passed the legislature and was signed into law. The bill cut red tape for public defenders and other state employees needing to access vital legal information."

Public Safety

As of April 10, 2024, Jonathan Karlen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

Supports youth mental health initiatives in schools, endorsing funding for screening and connecting students with necessary resources, as evidenced by the bipartisan backing of HB 252, despite its legislative failure and subsequent gubernatorial funding.

The candidate's website says, "HB 863 - Fund school lunch for all Montana students"

The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 863 - Fund school lunch for all Montana students."

- Supports youth mental health initiatives in schools, endorsing funding for screening and connecting students with necessary resources, as evidenced by the bipartisan backing of HB 252, despite its legislative failure and subsequent gubernatorial funding.
- The candidate's website says, "Co-sponsored HB 863 - Fund school lunch for all Montana students."

Education

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Jonathan Karlen

Jonathan Karlen attended the University of Montana, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Climate Change Studies and a master's degree in Public Administration. He resides in the Missoula community. Details about his family and church attendance are not provided.

Jonathan Karlen works as a Research Associate at the University of Montana's Boone & Crockett Wildlife Conservation Program and as an Instructor with the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program. He has previously served as a Max Baucus Leader in the U.S. Senate and a Demmer Scholar with the Legislative Affairs Office of the U.S. Forest Service. Additionally, he has been involved with the Western Governors' Association Leadership Institute.

Jonathan Karlen was elected to serve House District 96 in November 2022 and began his first term on January 2, 2023. During the 2023 Legislative Session, he served on four committees and passed four bills. He is also a Co-Chair for the Montana Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (MDLCC) and serves on the Economic Affairs Interim Committee and Environmental Quality Council.

The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 258 - Property tax rebate for homeowners and renters... Jonathan brought a bill that included renters using existing definitions of rent-equivalent property tax... it was killed by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee in favor of legislation that excludes renters."

The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 465 - This bill ... unlocks funding for ... local governments to use for building permit review and approval. The legislation was strongly supported by ... industry, and housing stakeholders."

Said, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 421 - This bill would have required financial institutions to report cases of suspected financial exploitation... I am continuing to be in touch with stakeholders to do everything possible to protect Montanans from fraudulent practices."

The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 235 - This bill was Jonathan's fiscally responsible approach to cutting taxes that Montanans pay on Social Security benefits... The legislature chose not to pass any form of a Social Security tax reduction despite bipartisan support."

The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 849 - Provided mortgage assistance and invested in affordable housing via the Coal Trust"

The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan passed] legislation to enhance mobile home park residents' rights"

The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 898 - Increasing funding for the Microbusiness Development Act"

- Said, "Our tax relief plans include capping a family’s property tax burden at a minimal portion of their household income; passing a homestead exemption for a family’s primary residence; and expanding the elderly homeowner and renter credits... We’re also partnering with stakeholders to reduce dependency on property tax revenue for schools and local government..."
- Supports HB 280 for long-term property tax relief through income tax credits, noting its bipartisan committee approval and potential for significant savings for Missoula families, despite lacking sufficient Republican support to pass. Plans to work on a bipartisan tax solution during the interim.
- Supports tax reforms to aid families and balance fiscal burdens, endorsing child tax credits, property tax cuts, and EITC expansion, funded by higher capital gains taxes and new tax brackets for top earners; acknowledges partial bipartisan backing, despite the bill's failure.
- The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 258 - Property tax rebate for homeowners and renters... Jonathan brought a bill that included renters using existing definitions of rent-equivalent property tax... it was killed by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee in favor of legislation that excludes renters."
- The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 465 - This bill ... unlocks funding for ... local governments to use for building permit review and approval. The legislation was strongly supported by ... industry, and housing stakeholders."
- Said, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 421 - This bill would have required financial institutions to report cases of suspected financial exploitation... I am continuing to be in touch with stakeholders to do everything possible to protect Montanans from fraudulent practices."
- The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan sponsored] HB 235 - This bill was Jonathan's fiscally responsible approach to cutting taxes that Montanans pay on Social Security benefits... The legislature chose not to pass any form of a Social Security tax reduction despite bipartisan support."
- The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 849 - Provided mortgage assistance and invested in affordable housing via the Coal Trust"
- The candidate's website says, "[Jonathan passed] legislation to enhance mobile home park residents' rights"
- The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 898 - Increasing funding for the Microbusiness Development Act"

As State Representative, during the Interim Jonathan Karlen served on the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) and Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Working Group committees.

The candidate's website says, "Jonathan fought legislation that weakens Montana’s climate and environmental protection laws."

- As State Representative, during the Interim Jonathan Karlen served on the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) and Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Working Group committees.
- The candidate's website says, "Jonathan fought legislation that weakens Montana’s climate and environmental protection laws."

The candidate's website says, "housing, childcare, healthcare, reproductive rights, and more."

The candidate's website says, "Sponsoring Mental health legislation"

The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 649 - Increase provider rates for nursing homes and long-term care facilities."

- The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 649 - Increase provider rates for nursing homes and long-term care facilities."

The candidate's website says, "Supporting public defenders and cutting red tape"

Said, "If your communication relates to a law enforcement matter, we may disclose the information to law enforcement agencies that we deem appropriate."

- The candidate's website says, "HB 845 - Working with Billings public defender James Reavis, this bill passed the legislature and was signed into law. The bill cut red tape for public defenders and other state employees needing to access vital legal information."
- Said, "If your communication relates to a law enforcement matter, we may disclose the information to law enforcement agencies that we deem appropriate."

The candidate's website says, "Strips funding from public education"

The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 863 - Fund school lunch for all Montana students"

- Supports youth mental health initiatives in schools, endorsing funding for screening and connecting students with necessary resources, as evidenced by the bipartisan backing of HB 252, despite its legislative failure and subsequent gubernatorial funding.
- The candidate's website says, "Jonathan co-sponsored HB 863 - Fund school lunch for all Montana students"

- Your State Representative participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 100 members of the Montana House of Representatives. The Montana House of Representatives is the lower house of the Montana State Legislature (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Representative 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 Representative can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Representative 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 Representatives are elected to a 2-year term. Individuals can serve no more than 8 years in a 16-year period.