Filing for Public Office officially opened Tuesday morning. Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen noted that, this morning, the first candidate to file was Sen. Steve Daines. And Libertarian candidate Kyle Austin of Billings has filed to run against Daines. Others are likely to follow until filing closes on Wednesday, March 4th.
In our state, we’ll be electing one U-S Senator, both of our Congressmen, 25-state senators and all 100-members of the state House. In addition, we’ll elect a Supreme Court Justice and a Public Service Commissioner.
In the 2026 mid-term elections, it’s beginning to look like Congressman Ryan Zinke has a target on his back. Three democrats have announced their intentions to run against Zinke–assuming he’ll run again: Sam Forstag of Missoula, Matt Rains of Simms and Russell Cleveland of St Regis and Ryan Busse of Kalispell.
In Flathead County, Commissioner Brad Abel has announced his intention to file for re-election. He’ll be our guest on Glacier Banks Community Conversations Wednesday morning at 7:20.
In Kalispell, Amy Regier has filed for the open Senate District 4 seat. For House District 3, Debo Powers of Whitefish, House District 6 Darren Fix and Jim Riley of Kalispell. For House District 9, Steven Kelly and Ed Byrne.
