Hear from the 2024 candidates for MT Governor

There are three candidates running for the position of MT Governor: Greg Gianforte (R), Ryan Busse (D) & Kaiser Leib (L). Read on to hear their responses to the Exponent’s 2024 candidate questionnaire.

Candidates were given three weeks to respond to the questionnaire and were given word counts for each response. Not all of the candidates responded despite multiple emails and phone calls by Exponent staff, and by no means is this an exhaustive account of all of the policy positions and ideas supported by each candidate in a particular race. It is the Exponent’s hope, however, that this concise guide to candidates’ ideas in their own words can serve as a useful resource for voters to decide who they want to vote for.

Greg Gianforte (R)

As of press time, Gianforte had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses submitted after press time will be published on msuexponent.com.

Ryan Busse (D)

As of press time, Busse had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses submitted after press time will be published on msuexponent.com.

Kaiser Leib (L)

Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself? 

Leib: I was born in Kalispell, and I graduated high school in Thompson Falls, then I went to UM in Missoula for Math and Computer Science. I've been a dishwasher, a construction laborer and a software developer; lately I'm a comedian.

What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?

Leib: We should roll back SB458, the anti-trans bill that the legislature passed back in 2023 - that would rely on help from the legislature, but I'll push for it, even after I lose this election.

We should reduce the size of the executive branch in order to save taxpayer dollars. That's something the governor's office can do directly.

We should reduce the burdensome regulations which make it more expensive to construct new housing.

Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you? 

Leib: MSU students should vote for me if they care about their rights and freedoms. They should vote for the other candidates if they're more interested in telling other people what they can and can't do.