Getting to know Montana’s 2nd Congressional District candidates

A bipartisan agreement on government spending for the remainder of fiscal 2024 emerged just before 3 a.m. on March 21, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt | States Newsroom)

About this profile

The Daily Montanan sent candidates in this race a list of five questions prepared by staff members. We have limited each response to 200 words. All candidates have been given the same opportunity to respond and the same word limit. Candidates who do not appear with the rest of the candidates in the race did not submit answers to the Daily Montanan. Answers that were longer than 200 words were trimmed to the nearest sentence. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@dailymontanan.com

The primary for Montana’s 2nd Congressional District seat is the most crowded of all of this year’s June 4 primaries, featuring eight Republicans and four Democrats after Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale decided not to run for re-election.

The Republican primary for the seat will likely be the most-watched race of the primary, as several current officeholders and former lawmakers are vying for the nomination in a district Rosendale won in 2022 by more than 70,000 votes over the runner-up.

Prominently featured in that primary has been whether a candidate is loyal to former President Donald Trump, as the Republican-heavy district sent Rosendale, a member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus and ardent Trump supporter, overwhelmingly to Congress in the first year that Montana had two U.S. House of Representatives districts.

But Democrats in the race say they have a chance to gain back support in the district after more than a year of political infighting among House Republicans centered around Rosendale’s Freedom Caucus.

With absentee ballots already in the hands of voters, the Daily Montanan is profiling the candidates in most of the statewide primaries for voters to decide to whom they want to lend their support.

Republicans

Elsie Arntzen

What is the biggest issue facing Montana’s eastern district?

Federal government overreach, overspending, and irresponsibility. The Biden administration has failed to secure our border and is allowing illegal migrants to overrun our nation and threaten our national and fiscal security. The number of illegal aliens that have unlawfully entered our country under Biden is six times Montana’s total population. Our national debt is crushing our citizens by exacerbating inflation and making everyday goods inaccessible.

The administrative bureaucracy is attacking our way of life with unnecessary and burdensome regulations. As the longest standing member of Montana’s Land Board, I have fiercely protected Montanan’s voice on personal property and water rights. I promise to reign in the overreaching rules and regulations of the Bureau of Land Management. The Biden administration has also attempted to redefine sex based on a dangerous woke ideology.

In short, the federal government is out of control and is damaging the American dream for Montanans. We must put America first. That means protecting our borders, supporting Eastern Montana farmers and small business owners, and not saddling our future generations with crushing debt.

Outgoing Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale has been known as one of the most right-wing members of the Republican Party, including efforts to oust the Speaker of his own party. Do you agree with that approach, and where would you see yourself fitting in in Congress? 

Matt and I have the same priority: putting Montana and America first. Montanans know that our country is in crisis, and they want a fighter. I admire that Matt Rosendale was a warrior for limited government and restraining government spending. He wanted to hold the DC swamp accountable for the mess they created, and so do I. In Helena I fought against the bureaucracy as the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, and I’ll bring that same fight to DC.

I am honored to have the endorsement of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) Chairman, Congressman Bob Good, and other members such as Congresswoman Mary Miller, Congressman Troy Nehls, and Congressman Josh Brecheen. I also have the endorsements of Montana Freedom Caucus members Senator John Fuller, Senator Steve Hinebauch, Senator Dan Bartel, Representative Jerry Schillinger, and Representative Bob Phalen. These members endorsed me because I will fight with them for conservative values, cutting spending, and putting America first. I look forward to being a part of the HFC when in Congress.

What about your background makes you an ideal choice for this seat?

I’m a Montanan that has experience legislating, being a leader, and being a fighter. Montana needs a conservative voice in Congress that isn’t afraid to take on the tough fights, knows how to deliver results, and puts America first.

I am a 4th generation Montanan who comes from a modest background. My husband and I worked hard to build a business from the ground up to provide a better future for our children and grandchildren. After earning my degree in economics, I went back to school to get my degree in education. I served as PTA president, 5th grade teacher, a state legislator and as Superintendent of Public instruction in Montana. I have been involved in our communities at many levels. In my current role I fulfilled my promises to Montana voters both in schools and on the Land Board. I defended parental rights, fought against woke ideology, and shrunk the size of bureaucracy. I saved taxpayer money by shrinking the Office of Public Instruction from four buildings to one.

As more people have moved to Montana, affordable housing and making a living have become harder for some people? How would you work to ease the financial burden on Montanans from D.C.?

Congress must cut regulations that hurt Montana small businesses, our farmers and ranchers, and our ability to build affordable homes. The bureaucracy in D.C knows nothing of the struggles our communities face, instead they restrict the innovation that made America great.

Our national debt and deficit must be reined in. US interest payments will hit $870 billion this year — that is more than our country spends on defense. Congress cannot tax their way out of this problem; our families are already burdened enough. Congress must cut spending across the board.

High energy costs burden our businesses and farmers which in turn increases the cost of all necessary goods for Americans. One of the first legislative initiates I would pursue is unleashing American energy potential. That is why Congresswoman Harriett Hageman from Wyoming, who took out RINO Liz Cheney, has endorsed me. Here in Montana, we can lead the way. Congress needs to expand an “all of the above” energy production policy that allows natural gas and oil producers to access and provide these abundant resources to Americans.

Do you believe that bipartisan cooperation is important, and what’s one issue that you’d be willing to cooperate with the other party on?

I will collaborate with anyone who wants to put America first, secure our border, and prioritizes putting America back on a path of fiscal responsibility regardless of their party affiliation. These should not be partisan issues. As we have seen the border crisis spiral out of control, more and more Democrats have expressed outrage with the Biden administration’s handling of this issue. Even in liberal states like New York, they know that the current path is unsustainable on every level. I am confident that we can come together as a nation to stop the flood of illegal migrants that is threatening our law enforcement, fiscal situation, and national security.

American privacy rights are not being adequately protected. I will work with those who want to stop the uni-party’s invasion of Montana’s privacy by reforming Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to ensure that warrants are required for any actions.

Ken Bogner

What is the biggest issue facing Montana’s eastern district?

Inflation and the national debt is hurting every Montanan in the eastern district. Because of Congress’ out-of-control spending, inflation continues to rise. We are feeling the effects of inflation every time we go to the grocery store or gas station. It is making it harder for our farmers and ranchers to turn a profit. Everything is costing more and it is making things harder for Montanans. We must get the spending and printing of money under control so inflation will follow. Passing a balanced budget provision in Congress is a must to ease the financial burden on Montanans.

Outgoing Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale has been known as one of the most right-wing members of the Republican Party, including efforts to oust the Speaker of his own party. Do you agree with that approach, and where would you see yourself fitting in in Congress? 

I believe the federal government needs to be held accountable, the out-of-control spending by Congress must end, and we must protect our Constitutional rights and freedoms. I will support policies that do that.

What about your background makes you an ideal choice for this seat?

I did border security missions on the Iraq/Syria border on my second combat deployment as a U.S. Marine. I know how important it is to have a secure border. As the senator for southeastern Montana, I passed the bill to prohibit foreign adversaries from buying our land in Montana. I’m the only candidate with both military service and legislative experience to stop the invasion of our country, which cannot continue. This makes me the ideal choice for this seat.

As more people have moved to Montana, affordable housing and making a living have become harder for some people? How would you work to ease the financial burden on Montanans from D.C.?

Congress must pass a balanced budget provision. Spending money the government does not have is causing inflation to spiral out of control, making things more expensive for Montanans. A balanced budget provision will stop Congress from continuing out-of-control spending and will lower inflation, easing the financial burden on Montanans.

Do you believe that bipartisan cooperation is important, and what’s one issue that you’d be willing to cooperate with the other party on?

I would stop members of Congress, and their spouses, from trading stocks while in office. Congress is using this as a way to get rich, it’s eroding trust in Congress and must stop.

Ric Holden

What is the biggest issue facing Montana’s eastern district?

There is not one specific issue troubling eastern Montana but a kaleidoscope of several issues.  It is my observation that the border crisis, agriculture, natural resource development, inflation and home purchase prices share a top priority type of interest with Montana voters. One thing is for sure. In every corner of the district the open border policy of the Democrats seems to irritate people the most.  There are thousands of people streaming illegally across the border daily. This is not theory but rather a fact. We are giving these illegal aliens all sorts of free benefits, like free debit cards, cell phones, health care, education and hotel accommodations. Don’t forget that they also get a free ride to their favorite sanctuary city for even more benefits. I believe that we need to close this whole situation down right now. The border needs to be protected first and then we can negotiate a new immigration policy. Those who have already illegally crossed the border need to be sent back. If we need to bring in the US Military to close the border, then let’s do it. We can not afford to take in all these people on the backs of the American taxpayer.

Outgoing Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale has been known as one of the most right-wing members of the Republican Party, including efforts to oust the Speaker of his own party. Do you agree with that approach, and where would you see yourself fitting in in Congress? 

I don’t think it is fair to compare the next congress with the current congress. Many of the seats will change across the country. So don’t think that the same set of dynamics will be in place. I served for 8 years in the Montana State Senate each year was different.  New personalities come and go. The new congress will have to buckle down and tackle some important matters like the border wall, inflation rates and the ever-growing U.S. debt that is picking up steam to the tune of about one trillion dollars per year. I am a conservative. I have a proven State Senate conservative voting record. Through my years in the Senate, I was endorsed by the National Rifle Assoc., Montana Woolgrowers, Montana Stockgrowers, Farm Bureau, Right To Life, and the conservative Tax Payers Union, among others.

What about your background makes you an ideal choice for this seat?

My background is so similar to what Montanans want to see in their congressman.  Some one who is like them and from the people.  No other candidate has the type of credentials that I carry. I am the only candidate that is actively involved in Montana’s largest industry, agriculture. My grandparents were homesteaders and I am a third generation Montanan.  I graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman. I operate an insurance claims business to provide extra living expense income for the ranch. While in college I served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, even at a time when our country was at peace. I have 8 years of experience as a State Senator, where I served on the Senate Agriculture Committee as the chairman. My wife and I have been married for 41 years and together we have worked as a team to make our ranch prosper. My wife and I were raised right here in Montana and we are committed to this state that we love so much.  All of our children live in Montana as well and I make decisions based on what is best for the next generation.

As more people have moved to Montana, affordable housing and making a living have become harder for some people? How would you work to ease the financial burden on Montanans from D.C.?

Affordable housing and inflation are truly an issue on Montanan’s minds these days. My message is this, do not despair, times are going to get better. However, our political leadership in Washington D.C. will have to change first.  This is how it can happen.  Currently the Biden administration is attacking every natural resource industry we have in eastern Montana, including agriculture, oil, coal and natural gas.  The Democrats have blocked federal leasing applications that would provide for the development of the above-mentioned resource industries and the high paying jobs that those industries provide.  The coal mine in Roundup will be closed in 10 months if the federal leases are not allowed. I support those jobs and the economy will turn around and the inflation rate will drop if we elect leaders that believe in the development of Montana’s resources. The price of gas will go down and the purchasing power of your dollar will increase. Then the possibility of purchasing a home and buying groceries will be much easier. This is why I am asking for your vote so these things can become a reality for Montana.

Do you believe that bipartisan cooperation is important, and what’s one issue that you’d be willing to cooperate with the other party on?

Bipartisan cooperation is important. As a State Senator I saw the value of working together on important issues. There are many issues that get handled in a bipartisan method, but the media tends to focus on the partisan issues because of the headlines that a controversy will attract. I have always worked across the aisle when I could, but I certainly do not believe in compromising one’s core values just for the sake of making it look like you are doing something. Some things such as gun control, abortion, lowering taxes and keeping boys out of girls’ locker rooms are issues that I will not compromise on. When it comes to funding our park system, irrigation canal system, or making big corporations clean up their pollution/trash; I can see value in working to make sure our state is protected in a bipartisan way.

Joel Krautter

What is the biggest issue facing Montana’s eastern district?

Given the sheer size and diversity of the eastern district, I believe there are actually two huge issues facing the eastern district – for the rural areas it is water and for the larger towns and Indian Country, it is public safety.

Rural areas depend upon access to clean water to drink and on reliable access to water for crop irrigation, which is why I’ll be a strong advocate for investments in rural water projects and also irrigation districts.

Montana communities, both large and small, are seeing law enforcement budgets stretched from fighting crime, illegal drugs and cartel activity, which is why I’ll work with local law enforcement to provide the federal support needed to keep our communities safe. I’ll also support the additional border patrol agents, immigration officers and judges, needed to secure our U.S. southern border, which is connected to keeping our communities safe from the illegal drugs and cartels coming into our country.

Outgoing Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale has been known as one of the most right-wing members of the Republican Party, including efforts to oust the Speaker of his own party. Do you agree with that approach, and where would you see yourself fitting in in Congress? 

I’m a Montanan who grew up in Deer Lodge and so I bring an appreciation for Montana’s political history, the traditional purple hue of our state’s politics and the examples of statesmanship that past leaders like Mike Mansfield and Jeannette Rankin showed while representing Montana in Washington.

I’m running for Congress as the anti-chaos, pro-stability candidate in this race, and as such, I disagree with the burn-it-all-down approach that seemed to characterize many of Matt Rosendale’s votes that largely contributed to chaos in Washington. In Congress, I will bring a new generation of leadership that would be pragmatic, thoughtful, responsive, and a calm and steady force that is there to do the work and get things done that will benefit the people of Montana. I’ll also be a Representative of all of the people of eastern and central Montana, above personal interest or party.

What about your background makes you an ideal choice for this seat?

While I’m a lawyer, small business owner and a former legislator, I’m also a regular hard-working Montanan who can’t make six-figure loans to my campaign to try and buy a seat in Congress, like others in this race. This gives me a perspective to be able to champion the needs of regular working Montanans.

As a former legislator, I know how to advance good policy or kill bad policy, as well as how to find common ground. At 36 years old, my youth allows me to bring an energetic new generation of leadership to Washington, that people are hoping for to change the broken status quo.

As an attorney, I understand how critical it is to protect our constitution and constitutional rights, separation of powers, the rule of law and law and order that is the foundation of our democracy, which also sets me apart from the field, at a moment of historic importance to our nation.

Finally, as someone who has grown up in Deer Lodge and also lived for 8 years in rural eastern Montana, in Sidney, but now lives in Billings, this gives me a well-rounded perspective to understand rural issues and the issues in larger communities.

As more people have moved to Montana, affordable housing and making a living have become harder for some people? How would you work to ease the financial burden on Montanans from D.C.?

I’m 36 years old and a young professional, who despite working hard as an attorney and small business owner, still has student loans, has personally dealt with housing affordability issues myself and who understands many of the challenges working people are facing to try and get ahead. I’ll bring this first-hand experience with me to Washington and advocate for keeping taxes low, work to make sure prescription drug prices are affordable, push to reduce interest on student loans and advance policies that make it easier for working people to afford housing. My guiding motto as an attorney and legislator is to “fight for the people” and I would bring this with me to Washington, D.C.

Having received the endorsement of the Montana Federation of Public Employees, I believe this shows that I am in touch with the challenges facing working people.

Do you believe that bipartisan cooperation is important, and what’s one issue that you’d be willing to cooperate with the other party on?

I believe bipartisan cooperation isn’t just something you settle for when you can’t get everything done in a partisan way, but it is actually something to strive for, because it makes whatever public policy is being worked on stronger and less likely to be subsequently undone by the other party when power shifts. This is the approach I took to the 2019 Montana Legislature, where I was proud to be recognized by the Montana Free Press as “one of the Capitol’s more visible bipartisans.”

An issue that I think there should be bipartisan cooperation on is campaign finance reform. I would support a constitutional amendment to overturn the disastrous Citizens United decision that has opened the flood-gates of corporate spending in our elections and contributed to the gridlock in Washington. I also think we need to look at reforms that make it easier for regular citizens to run for office and be competitive, such as through public financing options. The outsized influence that mega-donors and super-pacs have on our elections should be alarming to everyone and I support reforms that put more power back in the hands of the people.

Democrats

John Driscoll

What is the biggest issue facing Montana’s Eastern Congressional District?

Three issues of equal importance face MT2. The Roe vs Wade standards for abortion need to be established as a national statute, because no one should be imposing personal religious standards on others. The massive budget-busting appropriation for the Malmstrom Air Force Base nuclear missile modernization should be denied because that Sentinel missile is intended to attract and absorb incoming warheads that will kill, by blast, radiation and fallout, most persons living in the congressional district. All new base load electricity generating plants must be Small Modular Reactors instead of coal or natural gas fired, because Climate Change is a threat that’s been credible since the National Academies of Sciences raised the alarm to the Electric Power Research Institute years ago, when I sat on EPRI’s Advisory Council.

Outgoing Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale has been known as one of the most right-wing members of the Republican Party, including efforts to oust the Speaker of his own party. Do you agree with that approach, and where would you see yourself fitting in in Congress?

I have regarded Congressmen Gaetz, Rosendale, and Santos as three Knights of a Creepy Brotherhood sabotaging the constitution based processes of our Democratic government. Unlike the three of them, when I was Montana’s House Speaker I tried my best to create the conditions for representatives to talk with each other about our state’s problems.

In addition to working on the issues important to Montanans, I will work as seems appropriate with the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee to return the House Appropriations process to reliable normalcy, as it last was twelve years ago before the interruptions now requiring continuing resolutions.

What about your background makes you an ideal choice for this seat?

I have substantially broader, greater and deeper Military and Public Policy experience and preparation than any of the other candidates, Democrat or Republican.

As more people have moved to Montana, affordable housing and making a living have become harder for some people? How would you work to ease the financial burden on Montanans from D.C.?

My priority is to make housing in which equity can be accrued available to persons, with or without families, living on Montana’s local economies through their productive years from about 17 to 67. From my observations the best way to do this is by encouraging multifamily Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives in which each member gains equity in a membership associated with a proprietary lease of one dwelling owned by that cooperative. The cooperative long-term leases the land under the multifamily structure or complex from a local, state or federal entity for 99 years renewable at very low lease rates in return for the cooperative limiting the gain in members’ equity to no more than the gain in local median income. That way the housing remains affordable to the next generation of workers essential to local economies. I will do what I can to make federal land close to existing communities available for long term leasing to Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives.

Do you believe that bipartisan cooperation is important, and what’s one issue that you’d be willing to cooperate with the other party on?

I think bipartisan cooperation is essential to getting extremely important issues addressed. I intend to work across the aisle with anyone else interested in getting our nation to declare it will never be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict and invite other nations to make similar pledges; taking nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert; ending our president’s sole, unchecked authority to launch a nuclear attack; cancelling plans to “modernize” our nuclear arsenal; and entering negotiations with other nuclear powers toward the verifiable global elimination of nuclear weapons.

Ming Cabrera

What is the biggest issue facing Montana’s eastern district?

The recent Farm Bill has faced legislative hurdles for enactment with insufficient votes to pass the House floor with delays in short term extensions with no markups or legislative action. The number one economy of Montana is farming, and it is imperative our communities be able to plan their future. Some issues to discuss in this bill are crop and disaster insurance, appropriations for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), farm commodity and dairy programs and inconsistent government policies that reduce the effects of Montana farmers to sell their products overseas. We need a solid, consistent Farm Bill.

Outgoing Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale has been known as one of the most right-wing members of the Republican Party, including efforts to oust the Speaker of his own party. Do you agree with that approach, and where would you see yourself fitting in in Congress? 

The 118th Congress is on track to be one of the most unproductive in modern history. Congressman Matt Rosendale is known for being part of the Freedom Caucus with nothing done.  Just 20 bills had been passed by both chambers in 2023, with a vast majority being uncontroversial bills including renaming Veterans clinic and a commemorative coin. The only two bills signed into law were raising the debt ceiling and keeping the government funded.

My approach is to focus on the issues not the attitudes. We need to continue to let the people be informed and know what I will do for Montana with issues that affect us daily. Congressman Rosendale was focused on creating dissatisfaction and taking his ideas without looking at the whole picture. We need to work with the system in place and make the changes focused on the details not the burn it down attitude.

What about your background makes you an ideal choice for this seat?

My track record of civil service in Billings dedicating countless hours to promoting economic growth and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in Billings, with the goal of advancing Montana’s economy both now and in the future. My leadership roles as past chair of the Yellowstone Democrats, the Billings Heights Task Force, and the Billings Heights Water Board, Heights Business Assn. underscores my unwavering commitment to proactive leadership and community engagement. My experience is at the local level and has given me great knowledge as to the many rules and procedures that govern our country. It is very helpful to understand the rules and the procedures to help make the transition to this office.

I want to bring our communities together.  People have forgotten how to come together and love each other. We are worried about the cost of everyday life, the inability to make sure everything is done with so much to do and so little time. Our anxiety is high, and it is to the point that the exasperation of the news makes people want to just close, shut down and ignore all that transpires. I want to focus on the issues, not the attitudes.  I’m up for the challenge.

As more people have moved to Montana, affordable housing and making a living have become harder for some people? How would you work to ease the financial burden on Montanans from D.C.?

The loss of affordable housing in large cities and small towns hurts those that cannot move to a place to work or a place to live.  Affordable Housing Montana, like many parts of our nation, is facing a housing affordability crisis, leaving far too many families struggling to find safe and affordable housing. This crisis is not only impacting individuals and families but also our communities and economy. Here are some potential approaches that could make a real difference. We need Congress to address investing in housing initiatives, promoting homeownership opportunities, limiting corporate ownership of residential property, addressing zoning and regulatory barriers and supporting sustainable housing solutions. We need to make sure small business owners who want to own rentals are not pushed out by major corporations with large pockets.

Do you believe that bipartisan cooperation is important, and what’s one issue that you’d be willing to cooperate with the other party on?

Again, it’s the issues not the attitudes. We need to have bipartisan cooperation on immigration and border policies. I will vote on the feasibility of these projects and make sure outcomes and goals are possible. A short-term solution to secure the border is to hire more patrols, increase the number of immigrant judges, and improve the gateway areas at border crossings.

Some long- term solutions to the border are to work with the Organization of American States in using their data in countries to screen immigrants that seek asylum. We need to look at the nations with the most people coming to the border as San Salvador, Venezuela and Cuba and find economic ways to improve their hardships in their nations and try to seek economic help in improving some of the catastrophes they are facing. Also, countries such as Cuba or Venezuela, begin to negotiate in lifting embargoes for trade. Another avenue to improve with our South American nations is to find amendments in the USMCA trade agreement for a more robust economic venue between Mexico, Canada and the United States. With these types of programs many of those who are leaving their countries may find prosperity without traveling.

Steve Held

What is the biggest issue facing Montana’s eastern district?

The biggest issue facing Montana’s eastern district is also my top priority – passing a family-friendly Farm Bill that works for family farmers and ranchers and it must include Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), right to repair, and fully fund safety net and conservation programs. Montana is an agricultural state and the eastern district is agricultural. It’s our number one industry, generating over $7 billion in economic activity last year, and the heartbeat of our rural communities and cities. However, under 6% of members of Congress work in agriculture, and even fewer work their land. We’ve been sending representatives who like to cosplay ranchers and farmers but don’t understand it and sure as heck haven’t delivered anything meaningful for Montana. Crazy Rep. Rosendale voted against vital investments in critical water and irrigation projects that are essential for Montana agriculture. That’s not being a representative, that’s self-serving. Senator Jon Tester needs a partner in the House who understands agriculture and someone who will work in a bipartisan way to get things done for American farmers and ranchers who feed the world and can power it, putting money back in Montanans’ pockets.

Outgoing Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale has been known as one of the most right-wing members of the Republican Party, including efforts to oust the Speaker of his own party. Do you agree with that approach, and where would you see yourself fitting in in Congress? 

I don’t agree with his divisive and firebrand approach that has delivered nothing for folks in this district. Most Montanans and most Americans agree on most issues but we have self-serving political opportunists that have made their way by trying to divide us and pit neighbors against neighbors. That’s not who we are as Montanans or Americans. We help our neighbors, care for others, and can do great things when we work together. There are too many examples of careless actions by our current representative who has made a mockery of himself, our state, nation, and democracy. Creating chaos only benefits adversaries of our country. We need a 180-degree pivot on attitude. We need someone who actually represents the values and interests of all Montanans in the eastern district. That starts by taking back our state this November. I’m the only candidate ready to roll up their sleeves and do the work on behalf of the good people in the district.

What about your background makes you an ideal choice for this seat?

I’m a 4th generation Montana rancher and businessman who has lived, worked, and raised my family in Eastern Montana. As I travel the eastern district from Broadus to Box Elder and Bainville to Big Timber listening to voters, I find that the vast majority of Montanans in the eastern district agree we need to take Montana and our country back, protect our privacy, solve the immigration crisis and protect our borders, keep politicians out of the doctor’s office, lower prescription drug prices and healthcare costs, address climate change, put an end to the working class tax burden, support agriculture, clean up corruption in Congress, and help each other as neighbors. Montanans deserve actual representation that shares these values.

As more people have moved to Montana, affordable housing and making a living have become harder for some people? How would you work to ease the financial burden on Montanans from D.C.?

For too many Montana families, affording a decent place to live has become almost impossible. We now lead the nation in working people with jobs who can no longer afford basic necessities, like covering rent and healthcare. It wasn’t always that way and doesn’t have to be this way now. People want a fair shake and a hand up, not a handout. We can act to provide tax credits and financial assistance for new construction and renovation, and rental assistance for those households that simply cannot afford to buy a home right now. Congress must pass common-sense legislation that addresses the housing speculators and monied land grabbers driving prices up by buying up land, farms, ranches, and real estate. The only way we can solve our problems is by mucking the halls of this corrupt Congress, starting with a ban on insider stock trading by self-serving politicians. We aren’t going to get things back on track if we don’t change direction in this district and elect officials that are committed to cleaning up the corruption.

Do you believe that bipartisan cooperation is important, and what’s one issue that you’d be willing to cooperate with the other party on?

Actual representation will take someone who will listen, someone who will bring people together, and yes, someone who will work in a bipartisan way to get things done for Montanans. If you want someone who will work for you and deliver for eastern Montana, I’m your candidate. Because I’m willing to work with anyone who shares my values and belief in the importance of family farming and ranching to pass a family-friendly Farm Bill with mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and right to repair, support for the next generation of family agriculture, trade and commodity price protections, and programs that directly support real farmers and ranchers, not just the big agribusiness corporations. And, if I get the chance, I’ll work with any willing member to pass the ban on insider stock trading and ethics reforms to smoke out these self-serving politicians doing the bidding of greedy corporations and billionaires over the rest of us.

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