The 2018 midterm election in Montana featured record turnout, narrow margins and races that extended all the way into the next morning. In this edition of the Flathead Beacon, we recap all the results and run down the winners and losers.
With the votes tabulated across the state, Democrat Sen. Jon Tester is headed back to the U.S. Senate and Republican Greg Gianforte is returning to the U.S. House. In addition to reaction from those races, check out a rundown of all the local races, including the incredibly close battle in State House District 3, where Democrat Zac Perry retained his seat by just 41 votes, as well as the Flathead County Commissioner race, won by Republican Randy Brodehl.
We also dive into the ballot initiatives, I-185 and I-186, both of which were defeated.
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Tester Rolls to Victory
Despite concerted efforts by Trump and other high-profile Republicans, the farmer from Big Sandy won a third term in the U.S. Senate
By TRISTAN SCOTT of the Beacon
In Montana’s U.S. Senate race, incumbent Jon Tester won reelection to a third term, fending off high-profile attacks from President Donald Trump that dominated the Treasure State’s political landscape for months while outlasting record-high spending from outside groups.
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Republican Gianforte Bests Williams in Race for Montana’s Sole U.S. House Seat
Incumbent Congressman heads back to Washington for his first full term, pledging to represent state’s best interests
By TRISTAN SCOTT of the Beacon
Montana’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives has been occupied by a Republican for more than two decades, and Greg Gianforte’s victory sends him to his first full term representing Montana’s at-large congressional district, solidifying his reputation as a serious legislator.
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Legislative Results Keep Balance of Power Intact, Set Stage for Negotiations
Democrats win a few seats but Republicans maintain majorities, with Gov. Steve Bullock brandishing the veto pen
By MYERS REECE of the Beacon
The Legislature is responsible for crafting laws and appropriating money to fund services and programs that widely affect Montanans’ daily lives, and will be tasked this session with deciding major issues such as the future of Medicaid expansion, slated to expire in June.
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Tobacco Tax, New Mining Rules Fail at the Ballot Box
Failure of I-185 means Medicaid expansion will be a primary focus of 2019 session
By JUSTIN FRANZ of the Beacon
Despite wide support from local chambers of commerce and the medical community, including officials from Kalispell Regional Healthcare and North Valley Hospital, I-185, an initiative that would have raised tobacco taxes to fund Medicaid expansion, failed to pass on Nov. 6. That means Medicaid expansion will become one of the hottest topics when the newly elected Legislature arrives in Helena come January.
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Republican Brodehl Takes County Commission Seat
GOP candidate easily outpaces Democratic challenger, continuing Republican control over county board
By MOLLY PRIDDY of the Beacon
Earning 63 percent of the vote, Republican Randy Brodehl continues the Flathead County Commission’s decade-long GOP makeup at a time when the county is facing an explosion of growth. Brodehl said he would figure out funding mechanisms for the Flathead’s 911 center, and wants to find a way to pay for the infrastructure of growth without over-burdening local taxpayers. Water rights, he said, are going to be one of the next major issues the county faces, and as such, Brodehl opposes the CSKT water compact.