Campaign filings closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, sealing the roster of candidates set to compete for seats in the Montana Legislature.  

In Northwest Montana, more than a dozen candidates for state office will appear on the primary ballot in June, as they face off against members of their own political party ahead of November’s general election. 

Nurse practitioner Cathy Mitchell is once again vying to represent Montana House District 3, which includes much of Whitefish and the West Glacier area. A Republican, Mitchell secured a place on the final ballot in the 2024 election cycle but lost out to Democrat Debo Powers. This year, Mitchell faces a GOP challenger in entrepreneur and political newcomer Derek Peachey. 

Business owner Shaun Pandina is also hoping for a redemption arc after losing the 2024 primary in District 7 to fellow Republican Courtenay Sprunger. He is currently registered in House District 4, which includes Columbia Falls and the eastern edge of Whitefish. Incumbent Lyn Bennet, a registered nurse, and Nathan Purdy, the owner of a medical imaging service, are also running as Republicans in the district. 

House District 6, representing northeastern Kalispell, drew two Republican candidates, business consultant Jim Riley and Arthur Dunn. 

In House District 7, representing the heart of Kalispell, incumbent Republican Courtenay Sprunger faces a primary challenge from Luke Maxwell. 

Three Republicans have filed to represent Montana Senate District 1, encompassing all of Lincoln County and parts of Flathead County. Both Neil Duram and Steve Gunderson served four sessions as the representative for House District 1, while business owner Vince Backen is a member of Libby's Government Study Commission. 

House District 1 is the only local race with multiple Democrats registered. Dakota Adams filed to run in the district again after losing out to Republican Neil Duram in 2024. Adams is perhaps most well-known for eschewing the viewpoints of his father, a founder of the right-wing militia group Oath Keepers. He will face Roberta McCanse, a planning and zoning representative for Libby, in the Democratic primary for the district this year. 

Primary elections will be held on June 2. The general election is Nov. 3. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected].