Key Contested Races in Missoula County Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Ballots are being mailed out, and Missoula County voters will face several contested races this election. Despite only one county seat being challenged, several legislative positions are also in the running.

Some key races to follow in Missoula include:

Senate District 49

The district, which was redrawn post-2020 census, includes areas like Missoula’s Westside. Democrat Willis Curdy was elected to the Senate in 2022 and is one of the senators serving in holdover districts following redistricting. Previously, he was a House member and emphasized bipartisan legislative efforts on his campaign website.

Republican Brad Tschida, a real estate agent and former House member, prioritizes limited government and tax cuts on his website. He has alleged past voting irregularities in Missoula without evidence or official investigation.

In 2022, Curdy and Tschida competed for the Senate seat, with Curdy winning about 54% of the vote. The district appears to lean more Democratic after 2023’s redistricting, said Joe Lamson of the redistricting commission.

House District 89

This district, covering southwest Missoula and Lolo, features a rematch of former lawmakers. Democratic incumbent Mark Thane, who has served three terms, faces Republican Lyn Hellegaard. Thane has criticized state tax proposals, while Hellegaard, a former city council member, supports legislation addressing voting integrity despite court challenges.

House District 99

In northwest Missoula, Democratic incumbent Tom France, who retired from the National Wildlife Federation, faces Republican Ryan Darling. France aims to ensure fair governance and adequate public funding. Darling, focusing on individual rights and accountability, criticized France’s stance on U.S. aid to Ukraine. France’s endorsements include Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana.

Missoula Justice of the Peace Department 2

The sole contested county seat, this court deals with minor offenses and civil matters. Incumbent Landee Holloway, known for her role in establishing the ROAD Court, and challenger Kelli Sather, a public defender, both stress addressing behavioral health and poverty issues in justice proceedings.

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