Missoula’s upcoming municipal election will center on choosing a new mayor, electing seven city council members, and deciding on a countywide infrastructure levy. The all-mail election on November 4 also features three uncontested municipal judge positions. Voters outside the city will only consider the countywide levy.
In the 12-member city council, two Ward 6 seats are up for election, as appointee Sandra Vasecka’s previous tie necessitated a re-election. Mayor and certain ward candidates were shortlisted in the September primary, with fewer contested seats advancing directly to the general election.
Montana Free Press offers election guides for Great Falls and Helena, plus a statewide roundup of notable races here. Candidates shared their views at forums hosted by Catalyst Montana, City Club Missoula, and others.
Mayor
Mayor Andrea Davis seeks her first full term against Shawn Knopp, a recurring mayoral candidate. Davis, elected in 2023 after Mayor John Engen’s death, argues for more housing and developer collaboration. As former Homeword director, she highlights initiatives such as the city’s land redevelopment plan and stresses affordable housing needs.
Knopp, from Montana Glass, criticizes the city’s fiscal management and wants tax reductions without sacrificing essential services. He aims for efficient budget handling and advocating for structural deficit solutions.
City Council Ward 1
Betsy Craske and Lucas Moody, new to politics, vie for Ward 1. Craske focuses on bridging gaps, property tax concerns, and climate action. Moody, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists, advocates for social housing and tenant rights.
City Council Ward 2
Rebecca Dawson and Justin Ponton contest to replace Sierra Farmer. Dawson, emphasizing budget balance and reduced spending, challenges high property taxes. Ponton, leading the primary, wants housing supply increases and infrastructure improvements.
City Council Ward 3
Incumbent Daniel Carlino competes against Jennifer Savage, focusing on affordable housing and zoning reforms. Carlino addresses issues like climate change and homelessness, while Savage highlights collaborative council efforts.
City Council Ward 4
Mike Nugent seeks re-election against David Quattrocchi. Nugent emphasizes detailed policy implementation, while Quattrocchi aims to advocate for marginalized communities.
City Council Ward 5
Stacie Anderson runs unopposed for a third term, serving since 2017. She leads A Better Big Sky, a civic engagement nonprofit.
City Council Ward 6 (two-year)
Sandra Vasecka and Sean Patrick McCoy contest the Ward 6 seat, following a previous tie. Vasecka focuses on fiscal prudence, while McCoy seeks balanced infrastructure development.
City Council Ward 6 (four-year)
Kristen Jordan faces Chris Foster. Jordan, from the Western Montana Conservation Commission, stresses democratic engagement. Foster seeks practical solutions for homelessness.
Missoula County infrastructure levy
Voters will decide on a mill levy to raise $1.8 million annually for roads, bridges, and trails. If approved, a $300,000 home would see an $11.40 tax increase. The county’s levy page outlines funding allocations.
Municipal judges
Judges Jennifer Streano, Eli Parker, and Jacob Coolidge are unopposed for a second term after a law change in 2021 shifted judge elections. They campaigned on reducing jail populations for nonviolent offenses, with new initiatives like Traffic Court and ComMUNIty Court.
Odds and Ends
All offices are nonpartisan, but endorsements vary. Missoula County Democrats back Mayor Davis and most council candidates, while Republicans endorse Knopp, Dawson, and Vasecka. The Elections Office distributed over 77,800 ballots, due November 4. Visit Missoula County Elections for more information.
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