News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2023
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Republican Party released the following statement regarding Jon Tester’s decision to seek reelection:

Jon Tester has backed every single one of Joe Biden’s disastrous policies. The Biden-Tester agenda has given us rising prices, higher taxes, and open borders that are hurting Montana communities. He does not represent Montana values, and voters will send that message loud and clear next November. “ – Montana Republican Party Chair Don “K” Kaltschmidt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2023
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Republican Party Executive Board voted to pass a resolution rebuking former Montana Governor Marc Racicot during Wednesday’s meeting.

This action stems from Governor Racicot’s decision to formally endorse and support Democrat candidates in 2020.

You can find a copy of the resolution HERE.

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HELENA, Mont. – In a partisan 3-2 vote, the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission adopted the final gerrymandered version of Montana’s new legislative districts. Following the maps adoption, Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement:

“Democrat Commission members and Chairwoman Smith have done a disservice to the people of Montana by adopting a legislative district map that does not represent our communities. By putting partisan gains for their party above constitutionally required criteria, they have drowned out the voices of thousands of Montanans simply based off their views and beliefs,” said Chairman Kaltschmidt. “During today’s meeting, Commissioner Miller even said herself that constitutionally required compact plans are less fair, simply because legal maps don’t give her party more political power. This unconstitutional action must have consequences, and the Montana Republican Party will be seriously exploring legal action to hold the Commission accountable and give Montana residents their voice back.”

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte joined the 68th Legislature in the House Chamber of the State Capitol to deliver his State of the State Address yesterday.

In his remarks, Governor Gianforte communicated his mission to make Montana an even better place to live, work, raise a family and achieve the American Dream.

MTGOP Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response:

“It was an honor to watch Governor Gianforte deliver his second State of the State Address to the people of Montana. Under the leadership of a conservative governor, the state is much stronger than it was just two years ago,” said Chairman Kaltschmidt. “Governor Gianforte addressed that the executive branch is working closely with Montana legislators to modernize state government, cut taxes and red tape, and make Montana debt-free in 2023.”

“Governor Gianforte presented that to better serve the people of Montana he will continue to provide greater opportunity, well-paying jobs, tax relief, protect parents’ rights, create safer neighborhoods, and affordable housing options. As Republicans, we’re implementing the biggest tax cut ever this year. Montana truly is the last best place to grow, develop, and fulfill the American dream.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2022
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt issued the following statement after Democrat Jon Tester blocked an amendment to secure the southern border:

“Jon Tester has had two years to secure our Southern border and has not even attempted fix it. Regardless of what he says today, his position has not changed. Tester blocked an amendment to extend Title 42 provisions and has supported Biden’s open border policies since day 1 of his administration,” said Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Tester’s meaningless border amendment is nothing but a facade and was designed specifically to try to cover up his efforts to advance his woke leftist agenda. Montanans are tired of his tactics; Tester will continue to serve as Joe Biden’s puppet in the White House until he retires or loses in 2024.”

Following Tester’s vote to block the amendment, he went on to cast his vote of support for the $1.7 trillion bloated government funding package.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2022
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt issued the following statement after Jon Tester voiced strong support for another bloated omnibus spending bill:

“It is hard to believe that Tester claims he did not have time to read a 497-page tax bill, but somehow he has had the time to look over a 4,155 page, $1.7 trillion-dollar earmarked government funding bill that was created in the dead of the night,” Kaltschmidt said. “Democrats have conveniently waited until the week of Christmas to try to get it passed to avoid blowback and tough questions from the American people. Montanans are tired of out-of-control government spending, and they are tired of Jon Tester.”

Both Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Matt Rosendale have voiced their opposition for the spending package.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2022
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Following today’s Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission meeting, Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to Chairwoman Smith and Democrat Commission members’ adopting a gerrymandered legislative district map.

“The Democrats’ legislative district map is unlawful and blatantly partisan, making it crystal clear that they’re more concerned about gaining political power and furthering their own objectives, instead of what’s best for Montanans. This map flips twelve legislative seats from Republican to Democrat, and simply does not reflect the makeup of our state,” Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt said. “The map fails to meet the mandatary legal criteria of compactness and is nothing short of a political stunt. After calling for compromise, it’s disappointing to see Chairwoman Smith, who is supposed to be nonpartisan, reveal her true political colors and vote for the Democrats map. Additionally, Chairwoman Smith ignored Montana Sunshine laws by allowing closed door, behind the scenes meetings during the virtual work period, leaving Montanans entirely in the dark on this process. The Commission needs to be held accountable for these corrupt tactics.”

Under Montana law, the far-left Montana Supreme Court is tasked with selecting the “neutral” Chair of the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission if the four appointed members cannot agree. Historically, past chairs of the Commission have been clearly affiliated with the Democrat party-despite the role requiring a nonpartisan individual.

The map will now be sent to the Montana legislature for review and feedback, however the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission is not required to accept their revisions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2022
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Representative for House District 80 Becky Beard has been selected to fill the seat of resigning Senator Terry Gauthier of Senate District 40 in the upcoming legislative session.

Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt issued the following statement following Beard’s appointment:

“Now Senator Beard is respected by her legislative colleagues, the executive branch, and her constituents for her knowledge, experience, and goodwill. In the State Senate, she will be able to represent the people of Montana with her conservative background and legislative expertise. The GOP is pleased to have someone like Beard who will defend the Montana way of life. I am confident that Beard will contribute to a legislation that will lead Montana down the path of an efficient and responsive state government,” Kaltschmidt said.

A special meeting will be held to fill Beard’s House District 80 seat that is now vacant.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2022
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to small businesses struggling to pay rent this holiday season:

“Over 99% of businesses in Montana are small businesses. They line the streets of every Montana town, drive our growing economy and support our communities with jobs. Last month, more than 40% of U.S. small business owners said they could not pay rent on time or in full due thanks to rising costs. As Bidenflation continues to hurt Montana families, Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress take zero action. Under the Democrat leadership, we’ve seen the highest increase in inflation in 40 years, and Montanans have suffered enough. As hard-working business owners struggle to make ends meet, Montanans know Democrats like Jon Tester are wreaking havoc on their wallet this holiday season,” said Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt.

According to the U.S Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, over 249,000 of Montanans are employed by small businesses across our state.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2022
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement after Montana House and Senate Republicans elected new legislative leadership for the 68th Legislature:

“Voters sent a strong message to Helena last week by electing a Republican supermajority in the Montana House of Representative and the Montana Senate,”said Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Today, the Montana Republican caucuses selected their respective Republican legislative leaders who will put our conservative agenda first, cut the red tape and invest in a stronger future for Montana.”

“Congratulations Sen. Jason Ellsworth who will serve as the next President of the Senate, Rep. Matt Regier who will serve as Speaker of the House for Montana and all the other GOP leaders selected. The Republican leadership in Montana’s 68th Legislature is full of proven and effective leaders who will strengthen our economy, lower taxes and fight to protect the Montana way of life in the upcoming session.”

Legislative leadership also includes:

Sen. Ken Bogner, Senate President Pro Tem
Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, Senate Majority Leader
Rep. Rhonda Knudsen, Speaker Pro Tem
Rep. Sue Vinton, House Majority Leader

The 68th Montana Legislature will be sworn in on January 2, 2023.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2022
Contact: madison@mtgop.org

HELENA, Mont. – Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement after the Republican Attorney General Association elected Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen as Vice Chairman:

“Congratulations Attorney General Austin Knudsen for being elected Vice Chairman of the Republican Attorney General Association. It is great to see Montana leadership at the national level promote and protect the Constitution, uphold the Rule of Law and help keep our communities safe. Over the past two years, Knudsen has worked hard leading Montana’s Department of Justice and ensuring the brave men and women of Montana law enforcement are supported. As Vice Chairman, Knudsen will continue to do the same while working with other Republican Attorney Generals to hold the Biden Administration accountable and protect our freedom,” Kaltschmidt said.

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