We’ll be going to the Polls Tuesday, June 2nd to narrow the field of candidates for the November 3rd General Elections. Suffice it to say that voters will have a lot of choices with candidates, including Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Libertarians. Here’s how the primary races are developing.
U.S. Senator
The biggest surprise was the withdrawal of Sen. Steve Daines and the entrance of US Attorney for Montana Kurt Alme, of Helana. And so, we have 11-candidates. Republicans Charles Walking Child of Helena and Lee Calhoune of Whitefish. Democrats include Michael Hummert, Alani Bankhead–both of Helena, Reilly Neil of Livingston, Christopher Kehoe of Missoula and Michael Black Wolf of Hays. Two Libertarians: Kyle Austin of Billings and Tom Jandron of Clancy. And Seth Bodner of Missoula has filed as an independent, although he’ll have to obtain a little more than 13,300-signatures on a petition to complete his filing, but he won’t have to deal with a Primary Election.
1st Congressional District – Western Montana
With the retirement of Congressman Ryan Zinke, we have 10-candidates. Republicans include Al Olszewski and Aaron Flint of Kalispell, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen of Helena and Ray Curtis of Bonner. Democrats include Russell Cleveland of St Regis, Matt Rains and Sam Forstag, both of Missoula and Ryan Busse of Kalispell. Nick Sheedy of Columbia Falls is running as a Libertarian and Kimberley Perisco of Hot Springs as an Independent.
Montana Supreme Court
One thing is for certain…one of our Flathead District Court Judges will be on the Montana Supreme Court next year: Dan Wilson or Amy Eddy.
For Public Service Commissioner, District 5–which includes Flathead County, 3-Republicans: Incumbent Annie Bukacek of Kalispell, Dave Sanders and Joe Dooling, both of Helena.
Flathead County Commissioner
Incumbent Brad Abel has three challengers as he vies for his second term. Two Democrats: Nathan Dugan of Whitefish and Colton LIttle of Columbia Falls. Casey Malmquist of Whitefish in an Independent.
Flathead County Sheriff
Sheriff Brian Heino is up for a third go-round, challenged by retired law enforcement professional Evie Cahalen of Marion, both Republicans
County Treasurer
Tricia Haverkorn, a Republican
County Clerk & Recorder
Cheryl Hohman and Sheena Sterling, both Republicans
Non-Partisan Positions
County Attorney Travis Ahner and Justices of the Peace, Eric Hummel (Department 1) and Tim Wenz (Department 2). County Superintendent of Schools Marcia Stolfus, who was appointed to fill-out the term of Cal Ketchum, stands for her first election to the post.
State Senate
Veteran District 4 Senator John Fuller has reached term limits. Republican Rep. Amy Regier and Democrat Kalispell City Council Member Kyle Waterman will face off in November. In District 6, Democrat Patrick Fitzpatrick challenges Republican incumbent Mark Nolan, both of Bigfork.
State House of Representatives
District 3: Democrat incumbent Debo Powers challenged by Republicans Cathy Mitchell and Derek Peachey, both of Whitefish.
District 4: Three Republicans: incumbent Lyn Bennet of Columbia Falls, Shaun Pandina of Kalispell and Nathan Purdy of Whitefish. Democrat Puala Koch of Columbia Falls
District 5: Incumbent Republican Braxton Mitchell challenged by Democrat Luda Welle, both of Columbia Falls.
District 6: Republicans Jim Riley and Arthur Dunn and Democrat Darren Fix, all of Kalispell.
District 7: Republican incumbent Courtenay Sprunger picks up a primary challenge from Luke Maxwell. Democrat Madison Evans is also a candidate. All are from Kalispell.
District 8: Republican incumbent Lukas Schubert challenged by Democrat Calvin Lime, both of Kalispell. Republican Daniel Neeley has withdrawn.
District 9: Republican incumbent Steven Kelly challenged by Democrat Kate McLaughlin, both of Kalispell.
District 10: Republican incumbent Terry Falk challenged by Democrat Catherine Allen, both of Kalispell.
District 11: Republican incumbent Ed Byrne of Bigfork challenged by Democrat Maeve Knitzler of Kalispell.
