Montana residents are nearly evenly divided over Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s performance, according to a Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll. Surveying over 800 registered voters in late April and early May, the poll revealed that 47% disapprove and 44% approve of Gianforte’s work, with 9% undecided. The poll also examined disapproval ratings for other Republican figures, with Sens. Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines both receiving 47% disapproval ratings. President Donald Trump holds a 49% approval rating among Montanans.
These figures suggest an ongoing political divide in Montana. Political science professor Jessi Bennion noted that unfavorable ratings are increasingly common amid political discontent. She stated, “None of these are great. In this day and age, it’s really hard to get a high approval rating.” Partisan lines were evident, with 90% of Democrats and about 10% of Republicans disapproving of Gianforte. Independents showed 60% disapproval and 30% approval, while more men than women and older voters approved of Gianforte.
Income level significantly impacts perspectives on Gianforte’s job performance. Those earning over $150,000 annually are more favorable, with 53% showing approval, as opposed to a third of those earning under $50,000. This trend could be influenced by inflation, according to Carroll College’s Jeremy Johnson, who linked higher costs to political reactions.
Gianforte’s tax policies, credited with benefiting higher earners through income tax cuts, might contribute to his approval among wealthier voters. Sean Southard, Gianforte’s spokesperson, highlighted the governor’s electoral successes and policy achievements, including cuts to both income and property taxes, and investments in education and health. The poll further reveals mixed views on Montana’s future, with 54% believing the state is on the wrong track, and opinions heavily divided along party lines.
The MTFP–Eagleton poll involved registered Montana voters contacted via text for an online survey between April 29, 2025, and May 7, 2026. It used a probability-based sampling method, ensuring a representative demographic spread, carrying a margin of error of ±4.3 points. More details on the methodology can be found here.
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