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April 2, 2026
Montana’s Capitol grounds have seen nearly a year of “No Kings” rallies. Despite the protests, there’s no significant voter registration spike as the 2026 primaries approach. Statewide and county-level data show a 4.8% increase in registration, lower than the 6.8% rise during the 2022 midterms.
Credit Zeke Lloyd MTFP
Jeremy Johnson, political science director at Carroll College, remarked, “I don’t think things like No Kings hurt. Can they help? We just can’t predict, based on the number of people at protest rallies, what elections will look like in November.” This sentiment is echoed by pollsters noting slow voter registration growth in Montana, including in highly populated counties.
Yellowstone County registered a 6.3% increase since 2024, slightly less than the 7.3% in 2022. Gallatin County saw a 4.8% rise, a stark contrast to 2022’s 9.3%. Missoula County’s registration is up by 2.5%.
There’s little indication that protests are transforming into voter turnout.
Where did all the Democrats go?
Gallatin County might soon see a Republican on the County Commission, with Colter Metcalf standing unopposed for District 3. Although two Democrats registered, neither remains on the ballot. The complex situation involved the resignation of Democrat Scott MacFarlane, leaving the party short on candidates.
Tracie Gibbons and Nate Powell-Palm were initially considered; however, Powell-Palm withdrew, and Gibbons was disqualified for not residing in the district. The redistricting in 2023 moved her to District 1, leaving Democrats without a candidate.
Despite this, Democrats may introduce a write-in candidate. Meanwhile, Republican Deanna Campbell faced a different issue, requiring state confirmation of her teaching certifications to run for county schools superintendent against incumbent John Nielson.
PSC rewire proposed
Montana’s Legislature is revisiting the idea of replacing elected Public Service Commission seats with appointees. A March 26 committee meeting discussed a bill that would let the governor appoint all five PSC seats. This body regulates services like utilities and garbage collection, with no qualifications needed beyond age and residency.
Attempts to alter the PSC’s structure have surfaced regularly, with a recent bill failing in the Senate. Humorously, Sen. John Esp highlighted the reliance on PSC roles for retired legislators. Currently, four of five commissioners are former legislators.
Supremes decide for initiative
Initiative 194, which aims to ban corporate spending in Montana elections, received unanimous backing from the Montana Supreme Court. Opponents argued it violated free speech rights, but the court dismissed these claims.
Jeff Mangan, an organizer, expressed gratitude for the ruling, emphasizing the importance of the initiative process. Known as the “Transparent Election Initiative”, this proposal limits powers granted to entities like corporations in political campaigns, imposing penalties for violations.
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