The race for Flathead County Commissioner is down to two candidates after Casey Malmquist, who was running as an independent, failed to file the paperwork needed to appear on the November ballot.  

State law requires independent candidates to gather a certain number of signatures from active voters and submit them to the county Election Department to appear on the general election ballot. Malmquist failed to make the May 26 deadline for turning in signatures.  

Malmquist said he never even started the signature-gathering process and cited ongoing personal issues.  

“It wasn’t a good time for me,” he said.  

Incumbent Republican Brad Abell will square off against challenger, Democrat Nathan Dugan, in the November general election. 

His first time running for office, Malmquist hoped to tackle housing affordability and drug addiction treatment, if elected. But even when he filed, he questioned whether he could better solve those problems as an elected official or active community member, he said.  

The semi-retired Whitefish resident has an extensive background in construction, development and serving on the Whitefish Planning Board. He said he’s also involved in the nonprofit community. 

When asked if he’d attempt a future run, Malmquist said he’d “never say no to the possibility.” 

Election Day is Nov. 3.  

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.