ICYMI: Democrats and Republicans Demanding Answers from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

CONTACT

press@montanademocrats.org

Helena, MT – The Daily Montanan is reporting this week that both Democratic and Republican legislators from the Legislative Audit Committee are demanding answers from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen about a taxpayer-funded political mailer that went out in January. 

The mailer, which costed nearly $200,000 and featured an image of Jacobsen and President Donald Trump, looked more like a political ad touting Jacobsen’s so-called “wins” rather than providing neutral voter education information.

Representative Mary Caferro told the Daily Montanan she also wants to know if Jacobsen turned over voter file information to Trump’s Department of Justice, which she says violates voter privacy in Montana.

“The public has a right to know: Is she (Jacobsen) using taxpayers’ money to invade taxpayers’ privacy and further her political career?” Caferro said. “(Is she) violating the standard of privacy and transparency we hold so dear, thumbing her nose at Montana’s Constitution?”

Republican Representative Jerry Schillinger, who also sits on the Legislative Audit Committee, joined the call for answers, demanding more transparency from Jacobsen’s office.

“You know you’re doing a terrible job when members from your own party are calling you out, demanding transparency and accountability,” said Emily Marburger, Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party. “But sadly, I’m learning this is par for the course with Christi Jacobsen, who’s made a habit of using her office to score political points while shortchanging Montana taxpayers.”

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