AGP Executive Report

Campaign Trail: Vice President JD Vance rallied Montana Republicans in Belgrade, joking about President Trump’s comments on politicians’ physiques as the Nov. 3 election nears. In the competitive western U.S. House race, Democrat Sam Forstag has outraised Republican Aaron Flint and led him in a recent poll. Ballot Measures: Montanans will vote on CI-133, which would protect the citizen initiative process amid efforts to change how constitutional measures reach the ballot. Data Center Debate: A Missoula County study found potential health, safety and environmental impacts from data centers. It recommends drafting zoning rules and pressing the state to preserve local authority. Tribal Water Rights: A federal judge kept a challenge to the Milk River water-rights settlement alive and allowed the Blackfeet Tribe to join, citing its interests in the agreement. Local Food: Montana agriculture leaders are pushing to raise the share of locally grown food consumed in-state from 3% to 33% by 2033, while working to connect producers with reliable buyers. Migration: New data show more people moved to Montana from Democratic-leaning states than Republican-leaning states through August, though migration patterns alone don’t reveal how newcomers vote.

Billings Community: The city’s first horror convention drew hundreds of visitors and 45 vendors to MetraPark, giving Montana fans a new event. Energy and Food: Senate candidate Alani Bankhead called Russian fuel imports “corruption” and urged stronger energy ties with Canada. At a state food summit, officials said Montanans eat just 3% of the food grown here and set a goal of 33% by 2033. State Policy: Gov. Greg Gianforte is pushing a flat tax rate. Election 2026: Pete Buttigieg endorsed independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar over Democrat Alani Bankhead, while Democrat Sam Forstag outraised Republican Aaron Flint in Montana’s western U.S. House race.

Election 2026: Democrat Sam Forstag outraised Republican Aaron Flint in Montana’s western U.S. House race. Senate candidate Alani Bankhead criticized Russian fuel imports and urged stronger energy ties with Canada. Montana voters are also facing proposals on campaign spending and who can change state laws and the constitution, with national groups spending heavily against Amendment L. Food and Farming: Montanans eat just 3% of the food grown in the state; a new initiative aims to raise that share to 33% by 2033. Montana farmers are also testing FieldSim, software designed to help tractors plan more efficient routes. Taxes and Jobs: Gov. Greg Gianforte is again making a flat tax a priority. The state jobless rate has reached 2.8%, its highest in two years, while MSU Extension received $840,000 to assist manufacturers. Tribal Energy: The U.S. Department of Energy expanded tribal energy funding to more than $125 million for 63 projects across 16 states, including projects in Montana.

Election Spending: Montana voters are weighing a proposal to bar corporations from spending in state elections, as competing ballot initiatives and heavy outside spending intensify the fight over campaign money. Local Races: Yellowstone County Commissioner Chris White is seeking a full term, while sheriff candidate Adam Chenoweth faces scrutiny over his past firing from the department he hopes to lead. Wildlife: State officials have ordered anglers to catch, kill and report brown trout in the upper Flathead Drainage to protect native fish. Glacier National Park also confirmed its first case of the fungus linked to deadly white-nose syndrome in bats. Tribal Community: Crow Nation members welcomed Navy sailor Jadyss Hugs home to Billings after 321 days at sea, honoring her service with a traditional ceremony. Business and Energy: A startup is proposing a large nuclear power campus in Montana, while StanCraft, the Flathead-founded boat company, has returned to the valley with construction, aviation and marine operations.

Wildlife: Glacier National Park has confirmed its first detection of white-nose syndrome, a often-fatal bat disease, after finding the fungus in a dead little brown bat and samples from live bats. Election 2026: Kalispell’s House District 7 candidates are campaigning on property-tax relief and affordability, while Montana’s western U.S. House race draws millions in individual donations from in and out of state. Campaign Finance: Initiative 194 would restrict corporate political spending in Montana as supporters make their case against undisclosed campaign money. Federal Influence: Montana’s next congressional delegation could have as few as four combined years of seniority, with two seats opening this year. Rural Economy: Montana’s jobless rate reached 2.8%, a two-year high; meanwhile, state and federal grants are directing $2.9 million to specialty-crop projects, and Forest Products Week highlighted an industry supporting more than 10,000 jobs. Health Policy: Missoula County will begin enforcing a federal rule barring kratom sales in retail food businesses on Nov. 2, as state officials voice concerns about addiction and overdose risks.

Montana Elections: Democrat Sam Forstag has raised $4.3 million in the western U.S. House race, ahead of Republican Aaron Flint’s $2.8 million. Two November initiatives also put election rules in focus: CI-133 would protect the citizen-led initiative process, while I-194 seeks to curb undisclosed political spending. Congressional Clout: Montana’s delegation could have no more than four combined years of seniority in 2027, as Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke leave office and their replacements start as freshmen. Big Sky Funding: The resort district finalized $6.5 million in allocations and unanimously backed a $30 million signal of support for a proposed centralized wastewater project. Agriculture & Forestry: Montana awarded $2.9 million to 13 specialty-crop projects. Forest Products Week spotlighted an industry supporting more than 10,000 jobs and generating $600 million in annual wages. Fossil Auction: A rare Nanotyrannus skeleton found by a Montana rancher is headed to auction with an estimate of $6 million to $9 million, renewing debate over private fossil sales. Jobs: Montana’s unemployment rate reached 2.8%, its highest in two years.

Senate Race: Pete Buttigieg endorsed independent Seth Bodnar over Democrat Alani Bankhead, adding a jolt to Montana’s closely watched contest against Republican Kurt Alme. House Fight: Montana’s 1st District is tightening, with a Trump-aligned PAC putting $1.2 million into the race as Republicans scramble to defend seats. A proposed ballot measure would curb dark money in Montana elections. Voting: Cascade County said 691 undeliverable mail ballots were waiting at its Great Falls office as of Oct. 22, urging voters who haven’t received theirs to check. Billings Investigation: No felony charges will be brought in the Senior High stabbing case by the county attorney’s office; Billings’ city attorney is conducting an independent review. State Economy: Montana’s jobless rate rose to 2.8%, a two-year high. Yellowstone: The park received a record $105 million private gift, with plans for a new visitor center.

Election 2026: Montana’s western U.S. House race has tightened into a toss-up, with an early poll showing Republican Aaron Flint ahead of Democrat Sam Forstag by just one point—within the poll’s margin of error. The Senate race is also roiled by Alani Bankhead’s claim that she was offered a DNC job to leave the contest; the party denies it. Ballot Measures: Initiative 194 would restrict undisclosed corporate election spending. Montana is also proceeding with mail-in voting after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked federal restrictions that could have disrupted ballots. Public Lands: A federal judge temporarily blocked plans to move Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City, preserving the agency’s Missoula presence for now. Education and Technology: The University of Montana is launching the state’s first human-centered AI career certificate, with courses on the technology’s uses, limits and ethics. Laurel Facility: A judge lifted the pause on construction of the state’s forensic mental health facility, allowing work to resume.

Election 2026: Montana’s western House race is tightening, with Democrat Sam Forstag and Republican Aaron Flint in a toss-up contest; Senate hopefuls and Supreme Court candidates are also making their final cases. Former Gov. Steve Bullock and Pete Buttigieg urged voters to back Initiative 194, which would curb corporate and dark-money spending. Taxes and Privacy: Montana lawmakers filed a second lawsuit challenging the state’s property-tax changes. Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s lawsuit accuses General Motors and OnStar of collecting drivers’ data and sharing it with brokers without meaningful consent. Energy and Growth: Federal funding talks include tribal energy projects in Montana, aimed at lowering costs and improving access. In Bozeman, a proposed 106-acre development could add about 1,000 homes, a library branch and parks. Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1%, while Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport passed three million travelers as expansion moves ahead.

Property Tax Fight: Three Republican state senators have filed a second lawsuit challenging Montana’s 2025 property tax overhaul, as a judge hears arguments in their earlier case. The new homestead system is set to shape bills starting this year. Election Oversight: Attorney General Austin Knudsen says he is reviewing Democrat Alani Bankhead’s claim that she was offered a DNC job if she left the Senate race; the DNC denies the allegation. Public Health: Missoula is enforcing existing food rules that bar kratom sales at businesses with food or beverage licenses. Officials say it is not a citywide ban; smoke shops without those licenses are not covered. Mental Health: A judge has cleared construction to resume on Montana’s forensic mental health facility near Laurel, after the state submitted a revised environmental review addressing water capacity. Travel and Growth: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has surpassed 3 million passengers over 12 months as its expansion continues. Schools: Billings trustees rejected a policy to restrict Pride and other political-viewpoint flags on school property, citing concerns about the state law’s vague language.

COVID Fraud: A Los Angeles man was sentenced to 63 months in prison for using two Montana-registered shell companies to obtain nearly $1.9 million in federal relief funds for personal spending. Election Money: A Montana hybrid PAC reported about $504,000 in election spending, nearly all backing Republican Aaron Flint in the western House race; the spending adds to a sharply contested campaign season. Property Taxes: Three current and former state senators have filed a second lawsuit challenging Montana’s 2025 tax overhaul, arguing its different rates for similar homes violate constitutional protections. Farm Relief: President Trump approved $8 billion in aid for Montana farmers as high diesel costs and other pressures weigh on producers. Workforce: Montana is expanding its Jobs for Montana’s Graduates program to colleges and education organizations statewide, aiming to connect more students with career skills and local employers. Ballot Measure: Initiative 194 would restrict political spending by corporations and other organizations; supporters say it would curb dark money, while critics warn it could limit groups’ ability to speak on elections.

Election 2026: House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in Bozeman for Republican candidates Aaron Flint and Kurt Alme, calling Montana’s close races key to control of Congress. Farm Economy: The Trump administration announced $8 billion in one-time harvest relief for farmers facing rising costs; payment details are still to come. Montana lost 5,300 jobs in the year through September, its first annual decline since 2020. Wolf Protections: The Ninth Circuit heard arguments in Missoula over whether federal gray wolf protections were lawfully lifted. A ruling could affect wolf management across the West. Energy and Jobs: Puget Sound Energy has broken ground on a 130-megawatt solar farm near Rapelje, expected to employ about 250 workers during construction and generate $4.8 million in impact fees for local services. Wildlife: Montana officials say September heat helped fuel bluetongue and EHD outbreaks in southeast big-game herds, killing thousands of animals across the Great Plains; hard frosts are now curbing the spread.

Ballot Access: A Montana Supreme Court ruling struck down four restrictions on citizen initiatives, including filing fees and legislative and attorney general reviews. Disputes over fiscal notes may continue. Consumer Protection: Montana joined a $4.4 million settlement with Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch over excessive trading fees; affected customers are due refunds with interest. Bozeman Growth: BZN surpassed 3 million passengers over the past year, but high fuel costs could slow growth. Tourism: Montana businesses reported a flat summer as smoke, inflation and airport disruptions curbed visitor spending. Election 2026: Montana candidates reported fundraising totals, while the western congressional race has shifted to toss-up status. Rural Services: Gov. Greg Gianforte announced $3.63 million for 17 rural EMS agencies; the state also received $4.8 million to expand employer-led workforce training. Yellowstone: A new $105 million fund will support conservation and infrastructure at the national park.

Montana Election: New filings show Sam Forstag raised $2.3 million in the western House race, ahead of Republican Aaron Flint’s $1.34 million, as analysts rate the contest a toss-up. In the Senate race, Republican Kurt Alme raised $1.8 million and independent Seth Bodnar $1.4 million. Wildlife: The Ninth Circuit heard arguments in Missoula over whether federal protections for Northern Rockies wolves should be restored, a case that could reshape management across the West. Consumer Protection: Montana is among eight states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT was marketed as safe without adequate safeguards for children; the claims have not been decided in court. Rural Services: Gov. Greg Gianforte announced $3.63 million for 17 rural emergency medical services agencies to expand health care access. Yellowstone: The national park is set to receive a $105 million conservation and infrastructure investment. Workforce: Montana was awarded $4.8 million in federal funding for employer-led training, with a new state skills fund expected to begin taking shape in 2027.

Yellowstone: The National Park Service and partners announced a $105 million fund for conservation research, infrastructure and visitor access, plus educational opportunities for Wyoming communities. Election 2026: Montana’s western congressional race has shifted to a toss-up in two major forecasts, with Democrat Sam Forstag challenging Republican Aaron Flint. In the open U.S. Senate race, independent Seth Bodnar is pitching a break from party politics as voters weigh affordability, taxes and Medicaid; the state began enforcing new Medicaid eligibility requirements this month. Ballot Measures: Montana voters are also weighing I-194, which would restrict corporate and undisclosed spending in elections, and a proposal to keep judicial races nonpartisan. Rural Economy: The USDA awarded the Montana Cooperative Development Center nearly $525,000 to support cooperative businesses, jobs and services across the state. Energy and Industry: High diesel prices are squeezing local operations and budgets, while United States Antimony says it is ramping up production at its Thompson Falls facility under a federal defense supply contract.

Billings Landmark: The historic Babcock Theatre reopened after 18 months of repairs, drawing enthusiastic crowds back to the nearly 120-year-old downtown venue. Election Watch: Analysts have shifted western Montana’s congressional race to toss-up status as midterm campaigns intensify; Senate and local races are also featured in new voter guides. Public Policy: Montana joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT harms children and misleads consumers. The claims have not been proven in court. Energy and Defense: President Trump announced plans for a Pentagon weapons-testing “super range” in Montana, but the location and details remain unclear. Healthcare: Billings Clinic has stopped some gender-affirming care services after a specialist left, sending patients to smaller providers. Taxes and Climate: Lawmakers filed another lawsuit challenging Montana’s 2025 property-tax law, while advocacy groups sued state energy regulators over their refusal to consider climate impacts.