Hear from the 2024 candidates for MT Secretary of State

The candidates running for MT Secretary of State are Christi Jacobsen (R), Jesse Mullen (D) & John Lamb (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. All photos were provided by the candidates’ respective campaigns.

Christi Jacobsen (R)

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

Jacobsen: Christi Jacobsen is Montana’s Secretary of State, dedicated to protecting election integrity, ensuring transparency, and supporting local businesses. With years of public service experience, she has championed voter ID laws and streamlined business registration processes to strengthen Montana’s democracy and economy.

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

Jacobsen: If re-elected, my top three priorities will be:

1. Election Integrity: I will continue safeguarding Montana’s elections by ensuring that voter ID laws are strictly enforced and that our voter rolls remain clean and accurate. I’ve worked tirelessly to protect our elections from outside influences and will keep fighting for fair processes.
2. Business Growth and Support: Small businesses are the backbone of Montana’s economy. I will expand on my efforts to simplify business registration and reduce red tape, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their ventures. Cutting bureaucratic barriers will help keep Montana open for business.

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

Jacobsen: Protecting Public Lands: Montanans should always have access to our great public lands. I will work to protect these lands from federal overreach and ensure that they remain under state control for the benefit of all Montanans. Public lands are a shared resource, and I’ll ensure they stay that way. I am committed to building a Montana where everyone, including MSU students, faculty, and staff, can thrive. By protecting election integrity, I ensure that every vote counts. My work to simplify business registration means that graduates will face fewer hurdles if they choose to start a business here in Montana. Additionally, I’m dedicated to keeping public lands accessible, providing future generations with the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities Montana is known for. Voting for me means voting for a future that values your participation and opportunities.

Jesse Mullen (D)

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

Mullen: Jesse James Mullen, 40, is a former journalist and the founder of Mullen Newspaper Company, which operates community newspapers across the Mountain West. He lives in Deer Lodge, Montana and is a father of four daughters and a son.

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

Mullen:

• Ensure safe and secure elections by working to provide affordable and accessible ID for all eligible Montana voters. Begin working towards a reasonable alternative to physical ID that protects the digital footprint of Montana voters.
• Protect Montana owned businesses and prioritize spending Montana’s resources in Montana.
• Return competency and customer service to the Secretary of State office.

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

Mullen: I value nonpartisanship and will work to remove the influence of political parties from Montana’s executive offices. My office will prioritize working with Montanans, for Montanans and provide unprecedented levels of access and public accountability to our Capitol. For more information, please visit jessejamesmullen.com.

John Lamb (L)

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