Montana

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Chase Martaus

Update 1: Nov. 4, 2020

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Montana Republican Incumbent Senator, Steve Daines was re-elected to a six-year term in the Senate on Tuesday night over Democratic Governor, Steve Bullock. 

 

Daines took the election with 54.6% to 45.4% for Bullock. The “Battle of the Steves” was one of the more interesting races in the country, as 45 of the 56 counties in the state were all mail-in votes due to coronavirus concerns.

 

This was the most expensive political race in the state’s history, with the parties spending more than $118 million combined on TV and online ads as well as campaign mailers.

 

Daines was able to use his contribution to the passing of the “Great American Outdoors Act,” which according to the Associated Press, could be the most significant conservation legislation in nearly half a century. 

 

With the win, Daines became the third of seven Republican Senators to secure a victory in states that were considered toss-ups. The Democrats face an uphill battle to secure control of Congress.

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Update 2: Nov. 6, 2020

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Montana had a record turnout for red voters this week as every statewide race went Republican during this year’s election.

 

What used to be a purple state is now a red state. The Republican party has officially swept the state of Montana with the election of Greg Gianforte as governor. The state has had a Democratic governor since 2004. 

 

The election of Gianforte is a bit bizarre as he does not fit the bill as a typical Montana resident. He has a reputation of having a stout leadership style. He pleaded guilty for misdemeanor assault back in 2017 for body slamming a reporter.

 

Gianforte has placed his policy making on the bible, and has supported the idea of downplaying of the coronavirus risks and reopening the economy.

 

Gianforte’s election comes as a surprise considering his policies have favored the rich. Montana’s unemployment and poverty rates are one of the highest in the country.