HELENA — Three men in Montana’s Republican Party are vying for the role of party chair.
Montana Republican Party executive director Chris Shipp said Wednesday that Rep. Jeff Essmann of Billings and former Madison County Commissioner Dan Happel will challenge Will Deschamps of Missoula for the position. Deschamps has been chairman since 2009.
Shipp says others could still come forward or be nominated. The winner will serve for two years in the unpaid position and will be responsible for guiding the party’s overall direction. That person will also serve on the Republican National Committee.
Up to 300 Republicans will elect a chairman or woman along with vice chair, secretary and regional representatives for the executive board at their annual convention in Helena on June 27.