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September 11, 2025
As Montana Democrats gather in Livingston this weekend, they face the task of selecting new leadership. Current chair Robin Driscoll, serving three terms, will not be running for reelection. Candidates eyeing the position include ex-legislator Mike Jopek, former Sen. Shannon O’Brien, and Park County Democrat leader Max Johansen. However, a potential adjournment vote could sideline key party rule discussions, as noted by Jesse Mullen, the 2024 secretary of state candidate.
With Montana Democrats lacking any current federal or statewide officeholders following Sen. Jon Tester’s defeat by Republican Tim Sheehy in 2024, the party is in a unique historical position. Despite setbacks, Democrats secured a dozen legislative seats in 2024’s election, held under new district boundaries. Collaboration between Democratic and Republican lawmakers led to Medicaid expansion and adjustments to teacher pay and property taxes, though these efforts weren’t unanimously welcomed within the Democratic ranks.
Republican Senate President Matt Regier addressed bipartisan collaborations within his party, resulting in the GOP executive board’s decision to disown certain members.
The GOP’s Latest Loyalty Test
In Helena, Republican leadership, under the newly elected MTGOP president Art Wittich, announced a vetting process for candidates ahead of the 2026 primary. The Conservative Governance Committee sent a 14-question survey to Republican candidates, aiming to clarify their positions. Critics argue that this questionnaire, particularly targeting those involved in bipartisan legislative efforts, assesses loyalty to party leadership over constituent interests. Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, suggested it was more about purging dissenters than real issues.
Jones highlighted this as part of a broader trend, recalling Wittich’s past attempts to expel independent voices. The recent passing of Duane Ankney, a prominent figure in such intra-party conflicts, marks an end to his legacy of bipartisan advocacy, including Medicaid expansion.
Jones criticized the new GOP committee’s approach, which he perceives as undermining local voter autonomy. During the GOP convention, several Republican senators were sidelined for their bipartisan actions, a move Jones argues disenfranchised thousands of Montanans.
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