Editor’s Note: This voter’s guide will be updated between now and Election Day, Nov. 3, as we publish additional stories and candidate responses. Check back for the latest.

Last updated: Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.

Montana’s general election arrives after a year of political shake-ups. The late decisions by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke not to seek reelection left both of their seats open. In the Senate race, Republican Kurt Alme, Democrat Alani Bankhead, independent Seth Bodnar and Libertarian Kyle Austin remain on the ballot after an August withdrawal deadline passed with no one stepping aside. In the western congressional district, Republican Aaron Flint, Democrat Sam Forstag and Libertarian Nick Sheedy are competing to succeed Zinke.

Closer to home, voters will choose between Flathead District Judges Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson for a seat on the Montana Supreme Court, decide the Public Service Commission’s District 5 race, and fill four state Senate and 13 state House seats in the Flathead and surrounding counties, along with a Flathead County commission seat. They’ll also vote on three statewide ballot measures: Initiative 194 and Constitutional Initiatives 132 and 133.

Absentee ballots went out Oct. 9 and must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can check their registration status, track their ballot and find their legislative district at VoteMT.gov.

-Beacon Staff

U.S. Senate

U.S. Senate Race: Alme Runs on Montana Roots and a Budget-Balancing Résumé

Montana’s Republican nominee is a two-time U.S. attorney and former state budget director who has spent his career in public service. He is campaigning on fiscal discipline and familiarity with the state.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Backs Alme in Senate Race

The organization lauded Alme in a Monday event in Kalispell, as the former U.S. attorney outlined his plans to root out fraud in government programs, cut taxes and require Congress to pass a balanced budget, should he win election.

As Withdrawal Deadline Comes to a Close in Senate Race, Bankhead and Bodnar Both Commit to Staying the Course

The Democrat’s pledge to remain in the race offered a final word on the dropout question, eliciting a mixed response from left-leaning voters in the Flathead as the divide clears a path for Republican Kurt Alme to hold onto Montana’s open Senate seat

Ahead of Withdrawal Deadline, Independent Bodnar Doubles Down on Promise to Stay in Senate Race

His press conference puts an exclamation point on the contentious dropout question — and both the independent’s and Democrat’s positions that neither will leave the race ahead of the Aug. 10 withdrawal deadline.

Behind the Push to Clear the Field in Montana’s Senate Race

As the state’s Aug. 10 withdrawal deadline nears, pressure is building for either independent Seth Bodnar or Democrat Alani Bankhead to leave a contest they’re both determined to stay in.

Bankhead-Supporting PAC Backs Out of Montana, Citing Lack of ‘Viable Path’ for a Democrat to Win

The Progressive Vet PAC poured millions into the Senate primary during its final weeks in support of Democrat Alani Bankhead. Now, it says it’s shifting its focus to back a Democratic candidate running in Kansas.

Inside Seth Bodnar’s Declaration of Independence

In a state that has historically heralded its independent streak, Bodnar’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate sets up an experiment about whether a candidate running outside the two-party system can stave off Montana’s one-party rule.

U.S. House

In Western Congressional District Race, Republican Aaron Flint and Democrat Sam Forstag Are Locked in a Dead Heat

Widely seen as the biggest ticket item in the state this fall, the race is likely to be defined by topics like cost-of-living and healthcare that have hit voters’ pocketbooks hard — though culture war issues could still play a role.

At Kalispell Rally, Trump Urges Montanans to ‘Get Out and Vote’

The president’s first Kalispell visit, and the first by a sitting president since 1975, was aimed at boosting Republican congressional candidate Aaron Flint, who is locked in a dead heat with Sam Forstag.

Forstag Shores Up Support from National Democrats in Western District Bid

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s backing of the smokejumper and local union leader is the latest indicator that the race in Montana’s western half is viewed as competitive, with both sides of the aisle investing national resources to win the seat

Republican Reckonings and a Referendum on Trump Define Montana’s Western Congressional Primary

Four candidates are vying to keep the seat in GOP control after a last-minute shake-up. But as one candidate distinguishes himself with high-profile endorsements, the Republican primary is shaping up to be a referendum on whether that establishment support carries weight with voters.

Western Congressional Race May Be Democrats’ Last Best Chance to Win a High-Profile Race this Cycle

Which candidate has the best chance of flipping Montana’s western congressional seat from red to blue? Voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on a four-way Democratic primary to answer that question in June, but all candidates agree the race comes with high stakes.

Montana Supreme Court

Flathead Judges Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson Face Off in Montana Supreme Court Race

The Flathead County District Court judges in northwest Montana have outlined contrasting judicial philosophies over the court’s role in the nonpartisan race

Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner is Sole Applicant for District Court Seat

Either Judge Amy Eddy or Judge Dan Wilson will leave the bench after November’s Montana Supreme Court election, opening a seat in the 11th Judicial District.

Ballot issues

Ballot Measure Would Add Constitutional Protections for Montana’s Ballot Initiative Process

CI-132 Would Enshrine Nonpartisan Judicial Elections in Montana’s Constitution

After a failed push by GOP lawmakers in 2025 to make court races partisan, supporters say CI-132 would protect a 90-year tradition. Opponents say party labels would give voters more transparency.

Kalispell Chamber Backs Ballot Issue to Keep Courts Nonpartisan

The chamber’s endorsement of the measure marks the second time the nonprofit has weighed in regarding initiatives on the ballot this year. While it’s supporting CI-132, the chamber has opposed another ballot initiative aimed at getting dark money out of politics.

Kalispell Chamber Cites Risk to Advocacy Work as Reason it Opposes I-194

Proponents of the anti-dark money ballot measure dispute suggestions the measure would prevent businesses from supporting political measures.

State House

A New Age of Montana Politics

The Flathead has six members of Generation Z running for office this fall — the highest number anywhere in the state. Their experiences running for office, serving as leaders, and the issues they’re focused on, help illustrate how the next generation could shape Montana’s future.

House District 3 Rivals Pledge to Fight Over Policy, Not Personalities

Democratic incumbent Debo Powers and Republican challenger Derek Peachey agreed to focus on policy, not personal attacks, as they vie to represent the competitive north Flathead Valley district.

Pandina, Koch Face Off for House District 4 Seat After Incumbent’s Primary Defeat

Both first-time candidates stress deep community roots, but Republican Shaun Pandina and Democrat Paula Koch offer sharply different policy approaches

State Senate

Regier, Waterman Face Off in Senate District 4 Race

The Republican House member and Democratic Kalispell councilor are running to represent downtown Kalispell and Evergreen

County Commissioner

Democrat Nathan Dugan Challenges Incumbent Republican Brad Abell in Flathead County Commissioner Race

Nathan Dugan of Whitefish has centered his platform around housing and long-term planning while incumbent Brad Abell of the Columbia Falls area hopes to continue upgrading Flathead County’s infrastructure

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