2024 Political Season Gets Underway

The first day to file for political office for the 2024 election season was Jan. 11, and for the past few weeks county residents have decided to put their hat in the ring for open positions throughout the county and state levels by declaring their intent to run.

Valley County Commissioner Mary Armstrong stated she will not be running for re-election, which means there is an open County Commissioner seat available. As of Jan. 22, Jerald “Juice” Fischer, of Glasgow, and Michael Carney, of Glasgow, have both filed their Declaration for Nomination to run for Valley County Commissioner for District 3, the seat now being held by Armstrong.

The Valley County Clerk of Court will also be on the county ballot, which is currently being held by Shelley Bryan. Bryan has filed to be re-elected into her position.

Robert Esaias has filed to retain his position on the St. Marie Rural Fire District Board.

Joy Guttenberg, of Nashua, has also declared to run for Councilperson for the Town of Nashua.

On the legislative level, all 100 seats in the Montana House of Representatives and 25 seats in the Montana Senate are on the ballot this year. Locally State Senator Mike Lang and Representative Casey Knudsen are both term limited in their respective positions.

Filing for Senate District #15 is Rhonda Knudsen, Republican, from Culbertson.

Filing for House District #28 is Eric Albus, Republican, from Hinsdale.

Filing for House District #29 is Miles Knudsen, Republican, from Culbertson.

Filing for House District #31 is Lance Fourstar, Democrat, from Wolf Point.

Filing runs through 5 p.m. on Monday, March 11.