Montana Democrats File in 118 Legislative Districts, outpacing MTGOP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 5, 2026

CONTACT
press@montanademocrats.org

Helena, MT – The Montana Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (MDLCC) announced today that Democratic candidates have filed to run in 118 of Montana’s 125 legislative districts, outpacing Republicans who filed in 114 districts. 

As a result, 11 Democratic candidates will appear on the general election ballot unopposed, compared to seven Republicans.

“Montana Democrats have recruited strong candidates who are ready to hit the ground running, whether they’re competing in a primary or looking ahead to November,” said Ciara Maxwell, Executive Director of MDLCC. “We’re proud to see so many Democratic candidates stepping up to represent their communities and fight for the issues that matter most to Montanans.”

Notably, Republicans failed to field a candidate against Democratic incumbent Representative Paul Tuss in a district that President Donald Trump won by 20 or more points all three times he’s been on the ballot.

"While Steve Daines and Ryan Zinke try to rig the primary and crown their handpicked successors, Montana legislative Democrats are recruiting and running the highest number of democratic candidates we have seen in years,” said minority leaders Senator Pat Flowers and Representative Katie Sullivan in a joint statement. “We have a Democratic candidate in 118 of 125 seats. This shows the energy behind Democrats to correct the path our state is on, and show up bigger and stronger in the legislature. We couldn’t be more proud to have fresh new faces throw their hat into the ring."

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