Meet the Montana Legislative House Candidates
The MSU Exponent made every effort to contact candidates running for the U.S. House seat and the Montana House and Senate seats representing Bozeman and Belgrade. All candidates were provided with the same questions, the same instructions and the same word limit for their responses. The Exponent did not edit any of the responses for grammar or clarity. The Exponent does not endorse or oppose any candidate through the publication of these questionnaires. The questionnaires are intended to inform voters and help them make informed decisions.
House Leg. District 59
Katie Fire Thunder
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I’m the MT State Representative for HD 59, which represents those living in southern Bozeman. I’m a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, grew up in Bozeman, and graduated from MSU. As a community organizer and co-founder of Bozeman Tenants United, I’m committed to advocating for working families across Montana.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
I was raised in a working-class family that relied on Medicaid, food assistance, and subsidized housing. Too often, the voices of everyday Montanans are drowned out by those of the wealthy and powerful. Meanwhile young people, elderly folks, and working families struggle with stagnant wages, the extreme costs of housing and health care, and the ever-worsening climate crisis. It does not need to be this way. My top priorities are:
- Affordable Housing: I will fight to invest for state dollars in creating affordable housing, ensure strong tenant protections, and move the tax burden off of homeowners and renters so that we can afford to stay in our communities.
- Public Lands and Climate: I will support transitioning our energy system to affordable renewable energy, oppose the sale of public lands to private interests like the Yellowstone Club (even in the form of “land swaps”), and fight for a moratorium on data center construction until we have strong, enforceable protections for our communities, environment, and workers.
- Fair Tax System: Working people should not be paying a disproportionate share of Montana’s tax burden while the wealthiest individuals and corporations get sweetheart deals and tax cuts. I will fight to restore higher income tax brackets for households earning more than $500,000, oppose a statewide sales tax, and support fully funding our essential services like public schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety.
I also believe effective leadership starts with listening. I will engage directly with my constituents, learn from their experiences, and work toward real solutions that make Montana more affordable, equitable, and sustainable for future generations.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
I’m a proud Bobcat and Montana State graduate, and I know what it’s like to be a student and young person in Bozeman. I’ve seen firsthand how rising has forced faculty and students to leave, squeeze as many roommates into a place to keep rent low, and work multiple jobs. MSU students, faculty, and staff deserve representatives who understand the challenges facing our community and are committed to making Montana stronger. I’ve been representing the MSU community for years: in 2023, I was the student political director for ASMSU. I built a coalition to pass a bill in Helena finally criminalizing the use of date-rape drugs. I am a cofounder of Bozeman Tenants United, and together we organized to pass ordinances like a ban on non-owner occupied short term rentals, like VRBO, to keep rental housing available for students and other renters. I will fight for affordable housing, a healthy environment and a fair tax system that works for all of us, not just corporations and the rich. We deserve a Montana where students can afford to live, graduates can build their futures, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I would be honored to build that with you as your Representative.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
Democrat
Marc Greendorfer
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I am a civil rights attorney with a focus on protecting university students from discrimination.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
First, we need to properly manage the explosive population growth and ensure that quality of life and the environment are protected. Second, we need to address inequities in the current property tax structure. Third, it’s critical that facts and analysis replace fear tactics and quick fixes in politics.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
I am the only moderate choice for HD 59. I am a constitutional conservative and believe that government works best when it is limited, allowing each individual to pursue his or her interests. It’s not government’s place to regulate personal decisions, whether it is who to love, who to marry or how to raise your children. Likewise, censorship and bans in the name of public safety are incompatible with the proper role of government. Instead, government must return to its role as a means for protecting those in need, providing order and security and being a steward for, rather than a participant in, outcomes.
I live next door to a fraternity and have been very impressed with the sophistication and hard work of MSU students. I know the challenges that face young people moving from education into their future careers. Extremism on campus is something I fight every day in my work.
The reality is that the Montana Legislature is controlled by Republicans and I am the only choice for providing a voice in Helena that will have the ability to effect change that benefits everyone. The idea that only Democrats can protect rights is outdated and at odds with current events. Indeed, extremism from both sides must be rejected.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
I run as a Republican. I have serious issues with both Democrats and Republicans and am best described as a constitutional conservative and classical liberal.
House Leg. District 60
Alanah Griffith
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I’m a 5th generation Montanan, single mother and a contract and real estate attorney with 25 years of litigation and mediation experience. I have a 17-year-old son who will be going to college next year and his well-being shapes my policies. I am a life-long outdoors person who has fished, skied, hiked, hunted and kayaked throughout our public lands.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
The first is to defeat the flat income tax. This is a regressive tax than will only benefit the wealthy. I would like to see more balance in our taxes, with more burden shifted to those who can afford it.
Second is to either place a moratorium on data centers or to adopt a rigorous siting act to regulate data centers, including increased taxes, protections for rate payers, senior water rights, our water and land, noise regulations, restrictions on water and energy use and transparency.
Last, I will continue to fight for all Montanans to make private decisions about their bodies with their doctors without government demanding to be in the room with them.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
I have always supported education, including our places of higher learning. Now that I have a son entering the Montana university system, I will be even better informed to address the needs of students, faculty and staff through him. I have also been a fierce advocate for your public lands, your right to know and your right to privacy. I will continue to pass laws that are constitutional, and fight against those that attempt to trample these rights. As a member of the judiciary committee, many of the bills that attempt to trample or restrict your rights and ability to learn, teach and work come before me. I have consistently fought for your freedoms and have show that I am an effective advocate for you.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
Democrat.
Greg Leman
Republican candidate Greg Leman did not respond to the Exponent’s questionnaire.
House Leg. District 61
Rio Roland
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I am the Democratic Candidate for the state legislature for House District 61, which includes MSU and surrounding neighborhoods. I believe this state should work harder to be a place where students, the working class and families can stay, build a life, and create a future.
I have spent the past 18 years developing renewable energy projects and worked as an environmental planner before that. I have a B.S. from Oregon State University in environmental science with a soil science minor. My Master’s degree is from the University of Minnesota in urban and regional planning.
I was born and raised in the Turtle Mountains of north-central North Dakota where I developed my lifelong passion for protecting the natural world. My interests are numerous: skiing, house music, politics, hiking, Texas Hold ‘em, camping, and, above all - fly-fishing on our local rivers.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
Housing Affordability
High housing costs are Montana's top affordability challenge, preventing students from staying after graduation and making survival difficult for the working class. I support repealing the 2021 ban on inclusionary zoning and restoring local governments’ ability to address their unique housing needs. I will also pursue innovative state funding and financing to support affordable workforce housing.
Healthcare Costs and Accessibility
Healthcare is not a privilege. Montana needs universal healthcare. Recent federal policy changes will push thousands of residents of Montana off their healthcare coverage. Until we cover everyone, we must protect and expand access to affordable healthcare. I will advocate using the state's budget surplus and explore increased tobacco taxes to help residents stay insured through the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
Data Centers and Energy Costs
Regulating large data centers will be the most important task of the next Legislature. Vast amounts of electricity and water are required for their operation. They need to pay the full costs of the infrastructure and energy they need with enforceable financial guarantees protecting ratepayers if they close. They must prove water sustainability. I will also push to require that renewable energy provides the primary source of electricity for new data centers. Montanans should not subsidize some of the world’s wealthiest corporations.
I also support putting a moratorium on large data center development in front of voters though a referendum. We cannot rely on this tactiuc solely and must do the above legislation in the meantime.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
When I graduated college, I was full of hope for the world and my own future. I found a career that did good for the planet and actually paid a decent wage. I could afford to build a life doing something I believed in.
I don’t feel like those opportunities exist in abundance for your generation. Somewhere along the way, we’ve made it really hard to own a home, build a career and believe that tomorrow will be better than today.
I want to be the champion for your generation. I’m not so far removed from those years to forget what it feels like to be starting out, but I have enough lived experiences to see where things have gone wrong.
You deserve the same opportunities and optimism I had. I want to help make that possible again.
Eric Jacobs
Republican candidate Eric Jacobs did not respond to the Exponent’s questionnaire.
House Leg. District 62
Joshua Seckinger
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I grew up in Wisconsin, raised by a single mom who worked hard to make ends meet. I studied political science and geography at UW–Madison before moving to Bozeman in 2009. I'm a fly-fishing guide, watershed conservationist, and proud to represent my neighbors in the Montana Legislature.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
My priorities share a common goal: keeping Montana a place where ordinary people can afford to live, work, and build a future.
Affordability and Housing: Bozeman's housing costs are pushing students, working families, and longtime residents out of our community. Last session, I introduced legislation to strengthen tenant protections and supported property tax relief for Montana homeowners. Next session, I'll continue working to protect renters, increase housing affordability, and address the rising cost of living. Whether you rent or own, you deserve a fair shot at making a life here.
Public Education: Montana needs strong public schools and an affordable university system. I'll continue pushing for adequate funding for MSU and our other public institutions, protecting academic freedom, and keeping tuition affordable. Students who invest in an education here should have the opportunity to stay and build their careers in Montana.
Public Lands and Clean Water: Access to Montana's public lands and rivers shouldn't depend on how much money you make. Last session, I passed legislation improving public access and protecting water rights during drought. Next session, I'll introduce legislation to legalize corner crossing, increase funding for watershed restoration and water quality monitoring, and oppose efforts to transfer federal public lands out of public ownership.
Montana's future depends on whether the people who live, study, and work here can afford to stay.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
I believe you should be able to get an education, build a career, and afford to live in the community you've chosen to call home.
Students shouldn't have to take on crushing debt just to earn a degree, and faculty and staff shouldn't have to struggle to afford housing in the community where they work.
I support fully funding the MUS System, affordable tuition, academic freedom, and the research that benefits communities across Montana. I've also introduced legislation to strengthen protections for renters, something that matters to students and university employees alike.
I believe Montana should invest in its students, educators, and university employees.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
Democrat
Esther Fishbaugh
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I am a Christian, 4th generation Montanan, raised on a wheat ranch, and married, with two daughters and four grandchildren. I have a Master’s of Science from MSU (1991),and a recreation degree from the College of Great Falls with a 42-year business in that field. I enjoy all outdoor sports.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
My concerns for Montana are:
Reducing unnecessary government regulation and spending lowers costs for both individual taxpayers and businesses. When taxation grows excessive, those costs are often passed on through higher prices, raising the overall cost of living and of education. Technology offers a practical way to make government functions more efficient, responsive, and less expensive. In areas such as education, innovation in service delivery should be actively pursued to reduce costs while maintaining or improving quality.
The principle of “no taxation without representation” remains a foundational American ideal. Representation loses much of its meaning, however, without corresponding accountability in how tax dollars are spent; absent such accountability, taxation can function more like confiscation than a legitimate civic exchange. Effective accountability requires transparency at every stage of the budget process and real consequences for misconduct. To advance these goals, I will seek appointment to the House Audit Committee, which reviews government contracts and spending.
Public servants should act with integrity by placing the interests of their constituents first and pursuing policies that improve working and living conditions. To that end, legislatures should examine regulations that drive up the costs of housing, education, insurance, and other daily necessities, and they should remove archaic or unnecessary laws. Keeping government small and effective can reduce taxes and leave more money available to support law enforcement and other essential services. These efforts rest on the Constitution, which establishes durable institutions of self-government; protecting and strengthening those institutions is essential to the peaceful, ordered society we seek.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
With 42 years as a business owner and CEO, I have overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, secured federal contracts, employed more than 50 people at peak, and guided financial performance through changing economic conditions by innovating and controlling costs. This experience has reinforced my commitment to reducing government spending, strengthening Montana’s work environment, and limiting unnecessary government intrusion in our lives. I also believe technology offers meaningful opportunities to deliver education services more efficiently to high school and college students and should receive targeted research funding and opportunities for pilot programs. By supporting a strong business climate free of excessive regulation, we can create the job opportunities that will allow Montana’s graduating students to build their lives and careers here.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
Republican. Democrat leadership has gone crazy and require their candidates to vote in lockstep with their socialist ideology. That is not for me.
House Leg. District 63
Peter Strand
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I came to Bozeman three decades ago and never left. I raised three kids here with my wife, Cameron Hildreth, taught in Bozeman Public Schools, and became part of the fabric of this community. Now I represent House District 63.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Making life here more affordable. That starts with bringing costs down wherever I can, beginning with rent. Thankfully, HB 311 passed last session, requiring landlords to refund rental application fees. For students applying to place after place, that adds up. But it’s only a start. Moving forward, I’ll push to ban landlords from using shared algorithms to set rents, the same tactic driving up our grocery bills. I’ll continue to defend Bozeman’s right to limit short-term rentals that pull homes off the market for people who live and work here. And I’ll work to remake the Public Service Commission, the board that sets our utility rates, so it can actually stand up to NorthWestern Energy. Every Montanan deserves a meaningful quality of life.
2.Helping our public schools to be as robust as possible. The biggest change we need here relates to investing more, much more, in our schools. Only when we take educational investment seriously will our schools have room to be their best. That investment is also essential to paying our teachers a living wage.
3. Pushing back on the potential devastation we face related to hyper-scale data centers, let alone building meaningful guardrails around AI. With all the discussion about data centers, AI is getting far too little attention. I have a slew of AI bills ready to go the moment the election is decided.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
I’m a lifelong advocate for young people. My entire career has revolved around helping students find their way into meaningful, enriching lives. I did this for decades in the classroom. Now I do it as a legislator. Far too many barriers put a good life out of reach, and they seem to be multiplying: the cost of living, finding a decent job, accessing our public lands, getting medical care when you need it. The worst part of being in Helena is watching some legislators willingly undermine people who are in school or in their twenties. Last session, HB 413 tried to strip many students of their right to vote here. I was in the thick of fighting it. It passed anyway, and a judge has since blocked it. Your voice matters, and I’ll keep protecting it.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
I'm a proud Democrat.
Lawrence Moore
Republican candidate Lawrence Moore is no longer running for the Montana House.
House Leg. District 64
Brady Bremer
Democrat candidate Brady Bremer did not respond to the Exponent’s questionnaire.
Daniel Ricardo Martinez
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
I'm Daniel Martinez — not an activist, a doer. I grew up on a cattle ranch, worked as a firefighter and miner, and now train drivers at Kingdom's Logistics LLC. The public spoke on Belgrade's roundabout; I listened, and I'm still fighting that while campaigning for House District 64.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
My top three priorities are taxes and affordable housing, public lands and hunting access, and transparent healthcare pricing.
First, taxes and a balanced budget. Climbing property taxes push rents higher and price families out of owning a home. Taxing people on paper gains they don't see till or if they sell is wrong—and I believe it's unconstitutional. I'll push to cut property tax pressure—ideally eliminate it, or at least lock assessments to the last sale price so the state can't keep jacking up bills—and demand a full audit of marijuana tax dollars so Montanans can see exactly where every dollar went.
Second, public lands and hunting. Hunting puts food on the table for a lot of Montanans. I'll work to open more state land for responsible recreational use, including hunting, without unnecessary red tape, while keeping common-sense safety rules in towns so we can pass on the traditions that make this place Montana.
Third, healthcare costs. I'll fight for real price transparency so insurers and providers post clear prices, competition can work, and families stop getting hit with surprise bills. Montana has started down this path; we need to finish the job.
I'm not an activist—I'm a doer. The public spoke on Belgrade's roundabout; I listened, and I'm still fighting that while I campaign. If elected, I won't forget the people who voted for me like so many politicians do. I'll carry Gallatin County's working families' concerns to Helena and put money back in people's pockets.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
MSU students, faculty, and staff live the Bozeman cost-of-living crisis every day—rent, groceries, fuel, and healthcare that eat paychecks and student budgets alike. I've worked blue-collar jobs my whole life and I own a small training business here, so I know what rising costs feel like when you're trying to build a future.
I'm not an activist—I'm a doer. I'll fight to ease tax pressure that drives up housing costs, keep public lands open, and demand transparent healthcare pricing. If elected, I won't forget the people who voted for me like so many politicians do. Students deserve a Montana where you can get an education, find work, and still afford to stay in Gallatin County after graduation.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
Republican.
House Leg. District 65
Brian Close
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
Serving the Bozeman Community Since 1994
As a community leader in Bozeman, my efforts have resulted in cleaner government, better transportation, better recreation, and improved public health for everyone. I chaired GALAVAN, passed a levy for senior transportation, led the effort to ban smoking in bars, wrote the state’s first light pollution ordinance, co-wrote the city charter, and chaired the Parks & Rec committee that established the park district.
Last session I passed a bill that made it easier to form public transit districts.
I attended the University of Chicago (graduating with General Honors), received my Master in Tax Law from New York University, and a Master in History from Montana State University. I have been a practicing tax attorney since 1987. I live in a union household with my lovely librarian wife, Beth Boyson, and my trusty dog, Sam.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
Preventing Elder exploitation – I currently have a bill that has passed out of the interim Human Services committee that reforms the state guardianship system that will be finalized early in the session.
Tenant Rights - I am working with a bi-partisan group of legislators to improve tenant rights, particularly tenants in mobile home parks
Regulating Medical Debt - Giving people more time to work out billing disputes with medical insurance before these go to collections and improving their right to contest a bill.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
Community Impact - As an MSU alum, I appreciate the value of MSU to the community. MSU generates almost a billion dollars a year in local economic activity per year
Protecting the University - I will work hard to prevent political interference with the University by the legislature. In short, I will defend the university’s independence.
Environmental & Democratic Values - You can count on me to protect the environment and your personal rights. Which is why I am endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Montana, the Montana Conservation Voters, MFPE and AFL-CIO
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
I am a Democrat, currently representing HD 65, which borders campus.
Joe Flynn
Republican candidate Joe Flynn did not respond to the Exponent’s questionnaire.
House Leg. District 66
Eric Matthews
Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?
Bozeman native Eric Matthews taught at Chief Joseph Middle School for 25 years and now serves as President of the Bozeman Education Association and Treasurer of MFPE, Montana's largest union. Elected to House District 66 in 2022, he has championed workers' rights, public schools, and solutions to Montana's affordability crisis.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?
My top three priorities are the same ones I've fought for during two sessions representing House District 66: workers' rights, public education, and affordable health care.
Public education. I taught at Chief Joseph Middle School for 25 years and now lead the Bozeman Education Association. Every Montana student deserves the same opportunities, from kindergarten through college. I will fight for fair K-12 funding and competitive pay to keep great educators and staff, and keep fighting off misguided attacks on public education. I helped pass funding for Montana 10, which gives university students advising, scholarships, and support to graduate on time with less debt. I'll work to keep higher education affordable and within reach. Health care. Health care costs are out of control. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs are too high and prescription drugs are too expensive. I will support efforts to lower drug prices, protect access to care, and make coverage affordable for Montana Families.
Workers' rights. Montanans deserve to live in our community with dignity and respect. I will keep defending workers' freedom to bargain for fair wages, protect retirement with dignity, and push for a fair and equitable tax system so working families aren't carrying more than their share. I've spent more than 25 years building consensus at the bargaining table, and I bring that same approach to Helena: listen, find common ground, and solve problems. I'm working for Montanans, and I'm ready to keep going.
Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?
MSU students, faculty and staff should vote for the candidate who most aligns with their values. As a proud MSU alum, I've spent 28 years in public education, over two decades advocating for Bozeman educators at the bargaining table, and four years representing Bozeman in the Montana House. My life of service reflects my values. I believe in dignity and respect for working people, including fair wages, affordable health care, and retirement with dignity for all. I believe in a fair tax system that works for everyone, and in keeping public services in public hands, not selling them to the highest bidder. I'll protect the right to vote and encourage every student to register. And I'll defend the public lands that make Montana the great place it is. If those values align with yours, I would greatly appreciate your vote to continue representing House District 66.
Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?
Eric Matthews is running as a Democrat that holds onto the values of opportunity for all and a society where government works FOR the people.
Owen Lang
Republican candidate Owen Lang did not respond to the Exponent’s questionnaire.
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