Sunday, March 29, 2026
39.0°F

Election races shape up in Sanders and Mineral counties

MATT BALDWIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 weeks, 4 days AGO
by MATT BALDWIN
Hagadone Media Montana REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Matt Baldwin is the regional editor for Hagadone Media Montana, where he helps guide coverage across eight newspapers throughout Northwest Montana. Under his leadership, the Daily Inter Lake received the Montana Newspaper Association’s Sam Gilluly Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. A graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism, Baldwin has called Montana home for nearly 30 years. He and his wife, Sadie, have three daughters. He can be reached at 406‑758‑4447 or [email protected]. IMPACT: Baldwin’s work helps ensure Northwest Montana residents stay connected to their communities and informed about the issues that shape their everyday lives. | March 11, 2026 12:00 AM

Voters in Montana's House District 90 will see a competitive race in the June primary with the incumbent drawing two challengers.

St. Regis Republican Rep. Curtis Cochran will face off with fellow St. Regis resident Jeff Stanek in the Republican primary. Huson resident Kelley Durbin-Williams is filed as an Independent and awaits the GOP winner in the November general election.

This district includes part of Mineral, Sanders and Missoula counties, and spans from Plains in the north, east to Alberton and Frenchtown, west to Superior, St. Regis and Haugan, and south to Lolo.

Cochran was elected to the House in 2025 and served on the State Administration, Transportation and Local Government committees in the Legislature. He was born in Thompson Falls and worked in the timber industry before retiring. 

Stanek is a social studies teacher in St. Regis and campaigned for the House seat in 2024.

Durbin-Williams campaigned for Senate District 45 as an Independent candidate in 2024. She owns Mismo Gymnastics in Missoula.

To the north in House District 14, voters will have to wait until the general election to choose between incumbent Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, and Democratic challenger Colleen Hinds of Heron. Fielder has represented the area that includes Noxon, Trout Creek, Thompson Falls and Plains for three legislative sessions.

In Mineral County, three Republicans are vying for the West End commissioner seat. Current commissioner Duane Simons will be challenged by Steve Reid and Debra Sheppard. 

Sheriff Ryan Funke will face off with Republican Samuel "Ben" Banks in the primary. Funke has led the department since 2023.

The nonpartisan Justice of the Peace race drew three contenders. Current Justice of the Peace Kim Taron will be challenged by Tine Shaia Maturino and Buffy Kelly.

In Sanders County, current Republican District 3 Commissioner Ben "Tony" Cox is challenged by Robert Abel. Cox was first elected in 2008. District 3 represents western Sanders County including Heron, Noxon, Trout Creek, Whitepine and Belknap.

Sheriff Shawn Fielders is being challenged by Deputy Lanny Hensley and former law enforcement officer and business owner Chris Reyna.

The Justice of Peace race drew Mark French, Jeffrey Lundberg, Carl E. Marquardt and Roy L. Mosher. The position, currently held by Judge Douglas Dryden, is responsible for processing misdemeanor criminal and traffic offenses in the county.

ARTICLES BY MATT BALDWIN

PHOTOS: No Kings protest draws crowd to Whitefish
March 28, 2026 4 p.m.

PHOTOS: No Kings protest draws crowd to Whitefish

A No Kings protest against the Trump administration drew hundreds of people to Grouse Mountain Fields in Whitefish on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The event, hosted by Flathead Democracy, was one of thousands held across the U.S., according to national event organizers.

Avalanche danger high after 2 to 3 feet of new snow
March 14, 2026 10 a.m.

Avalanche danger high after 2 to 3 feet of new snow

Dangerous backcountry conditions prompted a special avalanche warning Friday morning after Northwest Montana mountains were buried in 2 to 3 feet of snow.

Avalanche danger high after 2 to 3 feet of new snow
March 13, 2026 10 a.m.

Avalanche danger high after 2 to 3 feet of new snow

Dangerous backcountry conditions prompted a special avalanche warning Friday morning after Northwest Montana mountains were buried in 2 to 3 feet of snow.