Montana's At-Large Congressional District
Montana's At-Large Congressional District split into two separate districts following the 2020 Census apportionment process. During the 2020 apportionment process, Montana gained one seat in the U.S. House due to population changes across the country. As a result, the at-large district split into Montana's 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts.
As of the 2020 Census, Montana representatives represented an average of 542,704 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 994,416 residents.
Elections
2020
General election
General election for U.S. House Montana At-large District
Matt Rosendale defeated Kathleen Williams in the general election for U.S. House Montana At-large District on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Matt Rosendale (R) | 56.4 | 339,169 | |
| Kathleen Williams (D) | 43.6 | 262,340 | ||
| Total votes: 601,509 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John Gibney (G)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District
Kathleen Williams defeated Tom Winter in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District on June 2, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kathleen Williams | 89.5 | 133,436 | |
| Tom Winter | 10.5 | 15,698 | ||
| Total votes: 149,134 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Matt Rains (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District on June 2, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Matt Rosendale | 48.3 | 104,575 | |
| Corey Stapleton | 33.2 | 71,902 | ||
| Debra Lamm | 6.7 | 14,462 | ||
| Joe Dooling | 6.3 | 13,726 | ||
| Mark McGinley | 3.6 | 7,818 | ||
| John Evankovich | 1.8 | 3,983 | ||
| Total votes: 216,466 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Timothy Johnson (R)
Green primary election
Green primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District
John Gibney advanced from the Green primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District on June 2, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | John Gibney | 100.0 | 690 | |
| Total votes: 690 | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for U.S. House Montana At-large District
Incumbent Greg Gianforte defeated Kathleen Williams and Elinor Swanson in the general election for U.S. House Montana At-large District on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Greg Gianforte (R) | 50.9 | 256,661 | |
| Kathleen Williams (D) | 46.2 | 233,284 | ||
| Elinor Swanson (L) | 2.9 | 14,476 | ||
| Total votes: 504,421 (100.00% precincts reporting) | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Doug Campbell (G)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kathleen Williams | 33.5 | 37,513 | |
| John Heenan | 31.7 | 35,480 | ||
| Grant Kier | 24.2 | 27,025 | ||
| Lynda Moss | 5.1 | 5,667 | ||
| John Meyer | 3.3 | 3,740 | ||
| Jared Pettinato | 2.2 | 2,472 | ||
| Total votes: 111,897 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District
Incumbent Greg Gianforte advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Montana At-large District on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Greg Gianforte | 100.0 | 136,372 | |
| Total votes: 136,372 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Drew Turiano (R)
2017
| U.S. House, Montana At-Large Special Election, 2017 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Greg Gianforte |
50% | 190,520 | |
| Democratic | Rob Quist | 44.4% | 169,214 | |
| Libertarian | Mark Wicks | 5.7% | 21,682 | |
| Total Votes | 381,416 | |||
| Source: Montana Secretary of State | ||||
The election was held to replace Ryan Zinke (R), who was confirmed as secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior on March 1, 2017.[1]
Republican Greg Gianforte defeated Democrat Rob Quist and Libertarian Mark Wicks, earning more than 50 percent of the vote. Gianforte was sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives on June 21, 2017.[2]
Primary elections were not held in the race. Instead, party leaders chose the nominees at conventions. Democrats selected musician Rob Quist at the party's convention on March 5, 2017, while Republicans nominated businessman Greg Gianforte at the party's convention on March 6, 2017. A third candidate, Libertarian Mark Wicks, was also on the ballot.[3][4][5][6]
Ballotpedia compiled the following resources to help voters better understand the policy positions of the candidates prior to the general election on May 25, 2017:
- An overview of each candidate's career and policy priorities;
- Background information about each candidate's policy positions, campaign themes, and debate performance; and
- The politicians and influencers involved in the race, including those releasing ads and fundraising.
Although Montana's At-Large District seat was held by a Republican continuously from 1997, with former incumbent Ryan Zinke winning election in 2014 and 2016 by roughly 15 points, the race garnered significant national attention and fundraising. In the final week of the election alone, Quist announced that he had received $1 million, bringing his total campaign contributions to $6 million. The pro-Democrat House Majority PAC also spent $125,000 on ad buys for the election's final week. Outside organizations backing Gianforte like the Congressional Leadership Fund have spent $7 million on ad buys—approximately $4 million more than Democratic outside groups.[7][8]
On May 24, 2017, the eve of the election, Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault after he allegedly slammed a reporter to the ground and punched him. The Gianforte campaign refuted the reporter's account in a statement.[9][10]
2016
Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Ryan Zinke (R) defeated Denise Juneau (D) and Rick Breckenridge (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. No candidate faced a primary opponent in June.[11]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ryan Zinke Incumbent |
56.2% | 285,358 | |
| Democratic | Denise Juneau | 40.5% | 205,919 | |
| Libertarian | Rick Breckenridge | 3.3% | 16,554 | |
| Total Votes | 507,831 | |||
| Source: Montana Secretary of State | ||||
2014
The At-Large Congressional District of Montana held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Ryan Zinke (R) defeated John Lewis (D) and Mike Fellows (Montana) (L) in the general election.
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ryan Zinke |
55.4% | 203,871 | |
| Democratic | John Lewis | 40.4% | 148,690 | |
| Libertarian | Mike Fellows | 4.2% | 15,402 | |
| Total Votes | 367,963 | |||
| Source: Montana Secretary of State | ||||
2012
The At-Large Congressional District of Montana held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012, in which Republican candidate Steve Daines won election. He defeated Kim Gillan (D) and David Kaiser (L).[12]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kim Gillan | 42.7% | 204,939 | |
| Republican | Steve Daines |
53.3% | 255,468 | |
| Libertarian | David Kaiser | 4% | 19,333 | |
| Total Votes | 479,740 | |||
| Source: Montana Secretary of State "2012 Election Center" | ||||
2010
On November 2, 2010, Denny Rehberg won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Dennis McDonald (D) and Mike Fellows (Libertarian) in the general election.[13]
| U.S. House, Montana At-Large District General Election, 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Denny Rehberg incumbent |
60.4% | 217,696 | |
| Democratic | Dennis McDonald | 33.8% | 121,954 | |
| Libertarian | Mike Fellows | 5.7% | 20,691 | |
| Total Votes | 360,341 | |||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Denny Rehberg won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Driscoll (D) and Mike Fellows (L) in the general election.[14]
| U.S. House, Montana At large congressional district General Election, 2008 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Denny Rehberg incumbent |
64.1% | 308,470 | |
| Democratic | John Driscoll | 32.4% | 155,930 | |
| Libertarian | Mike Fellows | 3.4% | 16,500 | |
| Total Votes | 480,900 | |||
2006
On November 7, 2006, Denny Rehberg won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Monica J. Lindeen (D) and Mike Fellows (L) in the general election.[15]
| U.S. House, Montana At large congressional district General Election, 2006 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Denny Rehberg incumbent |
58.9% | 239,124 | |
| Democratic | Monica J. Lindeen | 39.1% | 158,916 | |
| Libertarian | Mike Fellows | 2% | 8,085 | |
| Total Votes | 406,125 | |||
2004
On November 2, 2004, Denny Rehberg won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Tracy Velazquez (D) and Mike Fellows (L) in the general election.[16]
| U.S. House, Montana At large congressional district General Election, 2004 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Denny Rehberg incumbent |
64.4% | 286,076 | |
| Democratic | Tracy Velazquez | 32.8% | 145,606 | |
| Libertarian | Mike Fellows | 2.8% | 12,548 | |
| Total Votes | 444,230 | |||
2002
On November 5, 2002, Denny Rehberg won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Steve Kelly (D) and Mike Fellows (L) in the general election.[17]
| U.S. House, Montana At large congressional district General Election, 2002 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Denny Rehberg incumbent |
64.6% | 214,100 | |
| Democratic | Steve Kelly | 32.7% | 108,233 | |
| Libertarian | Mike Fellows | 2.7% | 8,988 | |
| Total Votes | 331,321 | |||
2000
On November 7, 2000, Denny Rehberg won election to the United States House. He defeated Nancy Keenan (D) and James J. Tikalsky (L) in the general election.[18]
| U.S. House, Montana At large congressional district General Election, 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Denny Rehberg |
51.5% | 211,418 | |
| Democratic | Nancy Keenan | 46.3% | 189,971 | |
| Libertarian | James J. Tikalsky | 2.2% | 9,132 | |
| Total Votes | 410,521 | |||
District map
Redistricting
2020-2021
On November 12, 2021, the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission (MDAC) enacted a new congressional map following the 2020 redistricting cycle. The commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the map and to transmit it to the Montana Secretary of State. Both Republican commissioners and Maylinn Smith, the nonpartisan tiebreaker, voted in favor of the map, and the two Democratic commissioners voted against the map.[19] This map took effect for Montana's 2022 congressional elections.
A version of the congressional map enacted by the commission had previously been approved on November 4, 2021. The map that received final approval on November 12, 2021, made a minor change in Pondera County, allocating a smaller portion of it to the Western district.[20]
How does redistricting in Montana work? Montana uses a non-politician commission for congressional and state legislative redistricting. This commission comprises five members. The majority and minority leaders of each chamber of the state legislature select one member a piece. These four members then select a fifth to serve as the commission's chair. If the first four commissioners are unable to agree on an appointment, the Montana Supreme Court may select the fifth member.[21]
The Montana Constitution requires that no commissioner be a public official. State statutes require that two of the first four commissioners "must be selected from certain counties (roughly, in the Montana Rockies to the west) and two must be selected from the rest of the state (to the east)."[21]
The state's Districting and Apportionment Commission must complete congressional redistricting within 90 days of receiving federal census data. It must prepare a legislative redistricting plan "by the 10th legislative day of the first regular session after the federal census results are available. The Legislature then has 30 days to make recommendations to the commission. Within 30 days of receiving the Legislature's recommendations, the commission must file the redistricting plan with the Secretary of State, and it becomes law. Although the commission may modify the plan to accommodate the Legislature's recommendations, it is not required to do so."[22]
The state constitution requires that districts be both contiguous and compact.[21]
| “ | The ... commission has stated that it may gauge compactness by looking to a district's general appearance, and the degree to which it fosters "functional compactness" through "travel and transportation, communication, and geography." The commission has similarly determined that it will, in drawing legislative districts, consider the boundary lines of political subdivisions (counties, cities, towns, school districts, Indian reservations, neighborhood commissions, and others); follow geographic boundaries; and consider keeping intact communities of interest (based on "Indian reservations, urban[, suburban, or rural] interests, . . . neighborhoods, trade areas, geographic location, communication and transportation networks, media markets, social, cultural and economic interests, or occupations and lifestyles").[23] | ” |
| —All About Redistricting | ||
Montana Congressional Districts
until January 2, 2023
Click a district to compare boundaries.
Montana Congressional Districts
starting January 3, 2023
Click a district to compare boundaries.
2010-2011
District analysis
- See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
- See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores
The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is R+11, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 11 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Montana's At-Large Congressional District the 128th most Republican nationally.[24]
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Trump taps Montana congressman Ryan Zinke as interior secretary," December 13, 2016
- ↑ The Billings Gazette, "Gianforte set to take oath as Montana's next congressman," June 15, 2017
- ↑ Billings Gazette, "Democrats, Republicans plan for special election to replace Zinke," December 15, 2016
- ↑ KTVH, "Bullock sets soonest possible date for special election," March 1, 2017
- ↑ Billings Gazette, "Montana Democrats pick musician Rob Quist to run for U.S. House," March 5, 2017
- ↑ Billings Gazette, "Greg Gianforte wins Republican nomination for Montana's U.S. House election," March 6, 2017
- ↑ Politico, "Republicans: Montana special election 'closer than it should be,'" May 24, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "GOP, Dems put more money into Montana special election," May 3, 2017
- ↑ KULR, "U.S. House candidate Greg Gianforte charged with misdemeanor assault," May 25, 2017
- ↑ KTVQ, "Greg Gianforte accused of body slamming reporter," May 24, 2017
- ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "2016 Candidate Filing List: Non-Legislative," accessed March 15, 2016
- ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Montana," accessed November 7, 2012
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission, "Meetings," accessed November 12, 2021
- ↑ Billings Gazette, "Commission settles on Montana Congressional district map on 3-2 vote," November 9, 2021
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 All About Redistricting, "Montana," accessed April 29, 2015
- ↑ Montana State Legislature, "Districting and Apportionment Commission," accessed October 6, 2021
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
