Tuesday’s election marked the first use of Montana’s new legislative district maps, with Democrats gaining seats in the state Legislature despite losses in statewide and federal races. Republicans still maintain control of the Legislature. Preliminary vote counts suggest Montana Democrats will hold 41 of 100 House and 18 of 50 Senate seats when the 2025 Legislature begins next year.
This represents a gain of nine House seats and two Senate seats for Democrats compared to 2023, where Republicans had a supermajority. This shift provides Democrats increased capability to block legislation, advance their priorities, and negotiate with Gov. Greg Gianforte on divisive issues. Notably, Montana’s expanded Medicaid program, renewing next year, will be a key debate, as it was last in 2019, driven by a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans.
Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers stated, “When we have more seats we have more leverage.” Montana’s district maps are revised every decade to align with census data. This election was the first using maps based on April 2020 population figures. Adopted last year, the new maps faced criticism from Republican commissioners for potentially favoring Democrats. Republicans won 58% of the vote in statewide races, while Democrats secured 41% of House seats.
Sen. Greg Hertz attributed legislative losses entirely to the redrawn map, expressing belief that the GOP could have lost more seats. Democrats countered that gains resulted from effective campaigns and strong candidates, conceding that the new map helped. Seven newly drawn House districts and two Senate districts were identified as toss-up seats. Democrats lost most but secured vital victories in Whitefish-area Senate District 2 and Great Falls House District 19.
Longtime legislator Sharon Stewart-Peregoy lost in Senate District 21, which spans reservations and south Billings. She cited attack ads, Republican turnout, and new voter influences for her loss. Winning candidates credited grassroots efforts, highlighting diligent door-to-door campaigns. Rep. Dave Fern acknowledged that changes in district boundaries offered him a genuine chance in a traditionally Republican region, underscoring the impact of redistricting on this year’s legislative outcomes.
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