Montana 2026 elections

Political landscape in Montana

Overview

Montana is a landlocked Mountain West state bordered by Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, with Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, all Canadian provinces, along its northern edge. It is fourth in area but eighth-least populous and third-lowest in density. Helena is the capital and Billings the largest city. Mountain ranges, including the Rockies, fill the western half, while prairie and badlands cover the east. Most of the territory became American through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition explored it soon afterward. A gold discovery in 1858 and the Homestead Acts of 1862 drew settlers, and Montana achieved statehood on November 8, 1889, as the 41st state. Mining around Butte and Helena drove the economy until the mid-20th century; today agriculture, ranching and grain farming lead, supported by oil, gas, coal, timber and a fast-growing tourism sector.

Officeholders

As of October 2026, Governor Greg Gianforte and US Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy are all Republicans.

2026 elections

On November 3, 2026, Montana will decide a US Senate race, elect members in both House districts, and vote on three ballot measures: CI-132, CI-133 and I-194.