Updated July 8, 2025, to detail the Freedom Caucus membership in the Montana state Senate.
Montana Senate Republicans, denied a vote at a June convention, are demanding a second chance. This call for reconsideration arises amidst a prolonged conflict over their departure from the Freedom Caucus at the 2025 Legislature’s onset. Influenced by the Freedom Caucus, MTGOP delegates refused to acknowledge these nine senators, despite the Caucus openly declaring their nine senators as members. Founding member Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, hinted on Facebook that the actual membership might be larger, with some members choosing anonymity.
The state Freedom Caucus Network, an extension of a similar Congressional group, is led by Andy Roth, ex-vice president of the Club for Growth. This organization’s super PAC, Club For Growth Action, reported $1.2 billion in donations earlier this year.
The senators requesting a revote include Jason Ellsworth, Bruce Gillespie, Gregg Hunter, and six others. According to Montana GOP bylaws, each GOP senator may vote for party leadership, with rule changes only permitted by the party’s rules committee. However, at the June 28th Montana State Central Committee Officers’ Convention, this wasn’t upheld.
Sen. Barry Usher, a Freedom Caucus member, led a successful floor vote to deny recognition of these senators, despite party Chair Don “K” Kaltschmidt’s opposition. Republican Rep. Jane Gillette supported overriding Kaltschmidt just as his term as chair ended.
Attorney Joan Mell criticized the Freedom Caucus, stating, “Participation in the deliberative process is fundamental… rather than react knee jerk to bullying… Their exclusionary tactics… are a disservice.” MTGOP Director Tyler Newcombe acknowledged the letters from the nine senators, asserting, “It’s clear these nine senators represent a minority within our party. The letter has been referred to our legal counsel and rules committee for review.”
New MTGOP chair, Art Wittich, vowed to form a vetting committee for Republican candidates. Despite a backdrop of increasing control of state government, the MTGOP executive board has censured and excommunicated party members, such as former Governor Marc Racicot, who criticized party leadership for an “absolutist ideology.”
Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the importance of inclusion, noting the Republican reclamation of the governor’s office through teamwork. The senators who supported Gianforte’s property tax cuts faced opposition from the Freedom Caucus, who believed such measures burdened large businesses.
Notably, a bipartisan coalition passed significant legislative measures, including tax cuts. At the recent convention, Art Wittich was elected as chair, receiving 140 out of 234 votes. Wittich’s history involves a 2016 fine for illegal coordination during primaries, with involvement from groups like the National Right to Work Committee.
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