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February 19, 2026
President Donald Trump nominated Katie Lane for a U.S. District Court judgeship in Montana on February 12, praising her RNC legal counsel role since April 2025. Trump omitted mentioning her Montana political experience, where she aided campaign managers and defended Republican policies in court.
Lane is set to succeed Judge Susan Watters, who announced her senior status transition in 2025. A Bozeman High School graduate of 2010, Lane expressed her Christian beliefs and ambition during her senior year.
Her political career began in 2011 with Steve Daines’ U.S. House campaign, where she contributed to newsletters and public events. Lane interned for Daines in 2013 while studying economics at Furman University and later pursued law at George Mason University, interning at Wittich Law Firm, led by Montana Republican Party Chair Art Wittich, who endorsed her nomination.
Art Wittich stated, “Katie is a fantastic choice. Smart and principled. The Senate should confirm her quickly.” Wittich, who often criticizes state courts, supports Lane’s federal court nomination.
In 2022, Lane defended Montana’s policy against facilitating transgender driver’s license sex changes, prompting criticism from State District Court Judge Michael Moses for the state’s “flagrant disregard” of court orders.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen endorsed Lane, acknowledging her role in challenging federal mandates. Knudsen remarked, “President Trump could not have made a better pick as I am confident she will bring valuable experience and integrity to the bench and look forward to welcoming her back to the state.”
Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy also support her nomination. However, critics like the Alliance for Justice oppose her due to her limited nine years of legal experience, ranking her among Trump’s least experienced nominees. Typically, judicial nominees have at least 12 years of experience, as suggested by the American Bar Association.
Billings attorney Doug James criticized the choice, highlighting the need for trial experience in a U.S. District Court judge. He questioned, “President Trump could not find a single qualified attorney in Montana to appoint?”
Lane’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing remains unscheduled. The National Bar Association’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary will provide an evaluation based on Montana input before any Senate confirmation hearing.
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