| Elections in Montana |
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The 2026 Montana Senate election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect half of the members of the Montana Senate.[1]
Retirements
Republicans
- District 1: Mike Cuffe is term-limited.
- District 4: John Fuller did not file for re-election.
- District 9: Bruce Gillespie is term-limited.
- District 10: Jeremy Trebas is running for Public Service Commission.
- District 11: Daniel Emrich did not file for re-election.
- District 12: Wendy McKamey did not file for re-election.
- District 14: Russel Tempel is term-limited.
- District 18: Kenneth Bogner is term-limited.
- District 29: John Esp is term-limited.
- District 43: Jason Ellsworth is term-limited.
Democrats
- District 8: Susan Webber is term-limited.
- District 31: Pat Flowers is term-limited.
- District 32: Denise Hayman did not file for re-election.
- District 41: Janet Ellis is term-limited.
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[2] | Safe R | January 22, 2026 |
Summary of results by district
| District | 2024 Pres.[3] | Incumbent | Party | Elected Senator | Outcome | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | R+54.9 | Mike Cuffe | Rep | TBD | |||
| 4th | R+32.2 | John Fuller | Rep | TBD | |||
| 6th | R+42.8 | Mark Noland | Rep | TBD | |||
| 8th | D+9.1 | Susan Webber | Dem | TBD | |||
| 9th | R+47.7 | Bruce Gillespie | Rep | TBD | |||
| 10th | R+5.6 | Jeremy Trebas | Rep | TBD | |||
| 11th | R+20.0 | Daniel Emrich | Rep | TBD | |||
| 12th | R+15.4 | Wendy McKamey | Rep | TBD | |||
| 14th | R+39.7 | Russel Tempel | Rep | TBD | |||
| 18th | R+55.7 | Kenneth Bogner | Rep | TBD | |||
| 19th | R+59.6 | Barry Usher | Rep | TBD | |||
| 22nd | R+30.5 | Daniel Zolnikov | Rep | TBD | |||
| 23rd | D+1.1 | Emma Kerr-Carpenter | Dem | TBD | |||
| 25th | R+24.1 | Dennis Lenz | Rep | TBD | |||
| 28th | R+46.5 | Forrest Mandeville | Rep | TBD | |||
| 29th | D+2.2 | John Esp | Rep | TBD | |||
| 31st | D+18.0 | Pat Flowers | Dem | TBD | |||
| 32nd | D+8.6 | Denise Hayman | Dem | TBD | |||
| 34th | R+34.2 | Shelley Vance | Rep | TBD | |||
| 41st | D+6.5 | Janet Ellis | Dem | TBD | |||
| 42nd | R+13.1 | Mary Ann Dunwell | Dem | TBD | |||
| 43rd | R+38.9 | Jason Ellsworth | Rep | TBD | |||
| 48th | D+40.5 | Andrea Olsen | Dem | TBD | |||
| 49th | D+17.1 | Willis Curdy | Dem | TBD | |||
| 50th | D+31.1 | Shane Morigeau | Dem | TBD | |||
List of districts
|
District 1 • District 4 • District 6 • District 8 • District 9 • District 10 • District 11 • District 12 • District 14 • District 18 • District 19 • District 22 • District 23 • District 25 • District 28 • District 29 • District 31 • District 32 • District 34 • District 41 • District 42 • District 43 • District 48 • District 49 • District 50 |
District 1
The 1st district includes all of Lincoln County and a portion of Flathead County.[4] The incumbent is Republican Mike Cuffe, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to another term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Steve Gunderson, former state representative from the 1st district (2017–2025)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Vincent Backen[5]
- Neil Duram, state representative from the 1st district (2025–present)[5]
Term-limited
- Mike Cuffe, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Jonathan Russell Jameson[5]
District 4
The 4th district encompasses the city of Kalispell.[4] The incumbent is Republican John Fuller, who was elected in 2022 with 62.2% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Amy Regier, state representative from the 6th district (2021–present)[5]
Declined
- John Fuller, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
District 6
The 6th district includes portions of Flathead, Glacier, and Lake counties.[4] The incumbent is Republican Mark Noland, who was elected to the 5th district in 2022 with 100% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Mark Noland, incumbent senator[5]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Patrick Fitzpatrick[5]
District 8
The 6th district includes all or portions of Flathead and Lake counties.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Susan Webber, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to another term.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Tyson Running Wolf, state representative from the 16th district (2021–present)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Jade-Heather Ackerman[5]
Term-limited
- Susan Webber, incumbent senator
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Christopher Paul Buckles, nominee for the 100th state representative district in 2024[5]
District 9
The 9th district includes all of Teton and Toole counties, and most of Pondera and Lewis and Clark counties, excluding Heart Butte and Helena.[4] The incumbent is Republican Bruce Gillespie, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to another term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Llew Jones, state representative from the 18th district (2019–present), former state senator (2011–2019) from the 9th (2015–2019) and 14th districts (2011–2015)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Zachary Wirth, state representative (2023–present) from the 17th (2025–present) and 80th districts (2023–2025)[5]
Term-limited
- Bruce Gillespie, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Noy Holland[5]
District 10
The 10th district encompasses the city of Great Falls.[4] The incumbent is Republican Jeremy Trebas, who was elected to the 13th district in 2022 with 51.7% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Jessica Dyrdahl[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Maximus Dascoulias[5]
Declined
- Jeremy Trebas, incumbent senator (running for Public Service Commission)
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Margaret Mitchell[5]
District 11
The 11th district encompasses the northern outskirts of the city of Great Falls.[4] The incumbent is Republican Daniel Emrich, who was elected in 2022 with 52.9% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Steven Galloway, former state representative from the 24th district (2021–2025)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Ed Buttrey[5]
Declined
- Daniel Emrich, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Valynda Holland[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Mark Winters[5]
Withdrawn
- Brooke Winters[5]
District 12
The 12th district encompasses the southern outskirts of the city of Great Falls.[4] The incumbent is Republican Wendy McKamey, who was elected in 2022 with 56.0% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- George Nikolakakos, state representative from the 26th district (2023–present)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Randy Pinocci, state public service commissioner from the 1st district (2019–present)[5]
Declined
- Wendy McKamey, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Mindy Leach, optometrist[5]
Eliminated in primary
- James G. Whitaker, Republican candidate for the 22nd state representative district in 2024 and the 11th state senate district in 2010[5]
Withdrawn
- Mark Winters (running in the 11th district)[5]
District 14
The 14th district includes all of Liberty County and the northern portions of Blaine, Hill, Phillips, and Valley counties.[4] The incumbent is Republican Russel Tempel, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to another term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Eric Albus, state representative from the 28th district (2025–present)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Mark L. Wicks[5]
Term-limited
- Russel Tempel, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Blake Borst, nominee for the 28th state representative district in 2024[5]
District 18
The 18th district includes all or portions of Big Horn, Custer, Garfield, Rosebud, Treasure, and Yellowstone counties.[4] The incumbent is Republican Kenneth Bogner, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to another term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Greg Kmetz, state representative (2023–present) from the 36th (2025–present) and 38th districts (2023–2025)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Doug Martens[5]
Term-limited
- Kenneth Bogner, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Stan Taylor, nominee for the 36th state representative district in 2024[5]
District 19
The 19th district includes all or portions of Fergus, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Petroleum, and Yellowstone counties.[4] The incumbent is Republican Barry Usher, who was elected to the 20th district in 2022 with 100% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Chris Rindal[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Barry Usher, incumbent senator[5]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Deanna Daigrepont[5]
District 22
The 22nd district encompasses the northern outskirts of Billings.[4] The incumbent is Republican Daniel Zolnikov, who was elected in 2022 with 65.7% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Daniel Zolnikov, incumbent senator[5]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Removed from ballot
- Lyle Hedin[5]
District 23
The 23rd district encompasses the city of Billings.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Emma Kerr-Carpenter, who was appointed to the seat in December 2024, following the resignation of Katharin Kelker.[7] Kelker was elected in 2022 with 56.0% of the vote.[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Emma Kerr-Carpenter, incumbent senator[5]
Removed from ballot
- Justin Kucera[5]
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Joanna Oblander[5]
District 25
The 25th district encompasses the western outskirts of Billings.[4] The incumbent is Republican Dennis Lenz, who was elected to the 27th district in 2022 with 100% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Dennis Lenz, incumbent senator[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Tom Bick[5]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Julie Hippler, educator[5]
District 28
The 28th district includes all or portions of Carbon, Stillwater, and Sweet Grass counties.[4] The incumbent is Republican Forrest Mandeville, who was elected to the 29th district in 2022 with 100% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Forrest Mandeville, incumbent senator[5]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Kelly Hale[5]
District 29
The 29th district includes all of Park County and a portion of Gallatin County, including the eastern outskirts of Bozeman.[4] The incumbent is Republican John Esp, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to another term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Jason Gunderson, nominee for the 58th state representative district in 2024[5]
Term-limited
- John Esp, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Scott Rosenzweig, state representative from the 57th district (2025–present)[5]
District 31
The 31st district encompasses the city of Bozeman.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Pat Flowers, the minority leader of the Montana Senate, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to another term.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Kathleen Williams, former state representative (2011–2017) from the 61st (2011–2015) and 65th districts (2015–2017)[5]
Term-limited
- Pat Flowers, incumbent senator
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Richard Aungier[5]
District 32
The 32nd district encompasses the northwestern outskirts of the city of Bozeman.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Denise Hayman, who was elected to the 33rd district in 2022 with 67.9% of the vote.[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Becky Edwards, state representative from the 61st district (2025–present)[5]
- Kelly Kortum, state representative from the 65th district (2021–present)[5]
Removed from ballot
- Wes Siler[5]
Declined
- Denise Hayman, incumbent senator
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Neal Ganser, businessowner and nominee for the 33rd state senate district in 2024 and the 61st state representative district in 2016[5]
District 34
The 34th district includes a portion of Gallatin County, including the city of Belgrade.[4] The incumbent is Republican Shelley Vance, who was elected in 2022 with 63.9% of the vote.[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Caleb Hinkle, state representative from the 68th district (2021–present)[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Shelley Vance, incumbent senator[5]
Withdrawn
- Randy Chamberlin[5]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Carl Anderson[5]
District 41
The 41st district encompasses the city of Helena.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Janet Ellis, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to another term.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Erin Farris-Olsen, consultant and nominee for the Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court in 2024[5]
Eliminated in primary
- Dana Toole, former member of the Helena School Board[8]
Term-limited
- Janet Ellis, incumbent senator
Libertarian primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Dru Koester, businessowner[5]
District 42
The 42nd district includes an eastern portion of Lewis and Clark County, including East Helena.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Mary Ann Dunwell, who was elected in 2022 with 55.3% of the vote.[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Mary Ann Dunwell, incumbent senator[5]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
Withdrawn
- Kevin Kleinworth[5]
District 43
The 43rd district encompasses most of Ravalli County, including the city of Hamilton.[4] The incumbent is Republican Jason Ellsworth, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to another term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- David Bedey, state representative from the 86th district (2019–present)[5]
- Kathy Love, state representative from the 85th district (2025–present)[5]
Term-limited
- Jason Ellsworth, incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Stephen Leuchtman[5]
District 48
The 48th district encompasses the city of Missoula.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Andrea Olsen, who was elected to the 50th district in 2022 with 72.6% of the vote.[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Andrea Olsen, incumbent senator[5]
District 49
The 49th district encompasses the western outskirts of Missoula.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Willis Curdy, who was elected in 2022 with 54.4% of the vote.[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Willis Curdy, incumbent senator[5]
Republican primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Brad Tschida, state representative from the 97th district (2015–present)[5]
District 50
The 50th district encompasses the northern outskirts of Missoula.[4] The incumbent is Democrat Shane Morigeau, who was elected in 2022 with 63.9% of the vote.[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Presumptive nominee
- Shane Morigeau, incumbent senator[5]
References
- ↑ "Montana State Senate elections, 2026". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ↑ Jacobson, Louis (January 22, 2026). "Handicapping The 2026 State Legislative Map: A First Look". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ↑ "Dave's Redistricting". Retrieved July 15, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 "Districts and Legislators of the 69th Montana Legislature (2025 - 2026)". Montana Legislature. 16 September 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 "Federal Primary 2026". Montana Secretary of State. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "2022 Legislative General Election Canvass". Montana Secretary of State. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
- ↑ Nile, Amy (December 3, 2024). "Billings Democrat Emma Kerr-Carpenter appointed to Montana Senate". Billings Gazette. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
- ↑ Warren, Bradley (July 30, 2025). "Former Helena School Board chair, Dana Toole to run for open state senate seat". NonStop Local Montana. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
External links
Official campaign websites for 41st district candidates