HELENA, MT - **The Montana Republican Party (MTGOP) is strongly rebuking nine Republican state senators who have frequently aligned with Democrats, creating obstacles for the Republican majority in the Senate. Montana voters elected a strong Republican majority last November, expecting leadership that reflects their choices.

On Jan. 6th, 2025, the first day of the 69th Legislative session, and continuing to this day, nine Republican Senators have partnered with the Democratic minority to overrule Republican leadership. These actions have undermined the will of the people and created a de facto 27-23 Democratic majority in the Senate. The nine Republican Senators involved are:

Jason Ellsworth, SD43

Wendy McKamey, SD12

Gayle Lammers, SD21

Josh Kassmier, SD13

Butch Gillespie, SD9

Gregg Hunter, SD15

Denley Loge, SD45

Russ Tempel, SD14

Shelley Vance, SD34

Montanans voted for Republican governance, not compromises that shift power away from their elected majority. We believe these nine senators, at times, prioritized personal and political considerations over the broader priorities of their constituents. Their actions have contributed to a shift in influence that does not align with the platform they campaigned on. We encourage all elected leaders to stay true to the commitments they made to Montana voters.

The MTGOP calls on these senators to cease obstructing key Republican priorities and return to the faithful representation of their constituents and the Republican platform. If their actions continue to damage the integrity of the Republican majority, the party will consider additional steps to address the situation. The MTGOP urges all members to uphold the trust of the voters who elected them and to work together in support of Montana’s future.**

- Chairman Don K and The Montana Republican Party Executive Board Members: Lola Sheldon-Galloway, Terry Nelson, Brad Tschida, Tanner Smith, Debbie Churchill, Steve Zabawa, Bruce Williams, Shane Eaton, Stu Goodner, Paul Fielder, Tracy Sharp.