Ahead of Montana’s June 2 primary election, the Daily Inter Lake sent questionnaires to state Legislature candidates running in contested races in Northwest Montana.

Following are responses from House District 7 Republican candidates Courtenay Sprunger and Luke Maxwell.

Name:  Courtenay Sprunger  

Age:  44  

City/Town of Residence:  Kalispell  

Current Occupation:  Public relations  

Professional & Community Background: I’m currently serving my second term representing Montana House District 7 while also leading Big Sky Public Relations, a Kalispell-based public involvement firm that works across Montana and the Inland Northwest. In the 69th Legislative Session, I carried 14 bills, with 11 signed into law, including the Montana Hunters First Act to address non-resident pressure, the LEGAL Act to crack down on employers hiring illegal labor, “Baby REINS” to rein in burdensome regulations, and the Right Back Act to deliver long-term property tax relief while protecting school funding. 

I serve on the board of Flathead County CASA for Kids, coach Kalispell Rotary Youth basketball, and previously chaired the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. I’m a fifth-generation Flathead resident and married to my husband, Chris Sidmore, who serves our community through his leadership at the Flathead Food Bank. I’m also a proud aunt, stepmom and “mom” to a small farm of animals. 

What is the best approach to balance state budget needs with concerns about increasing tax rates?  

Balancing Montana’s budget starts with understanding how it’s funded. The state budget relies primarily on income taxes, while local governments depend on property taxes. In recent years, we’ve focused on reducing income tax rates. The 2025 budget itself grew just 0.7%, well below inflation, according to the Montana Department of Revenue.  

In 2025, we passed legislation to lower the top income tax rate from 5.9% to 5.4% and expand the lower bracket so more Montanans pay less. It also doubles the Earned Income Tax Credit, putting money back into the pockets of working families.   

As we move from recent surpluses to a projected $200–300 million shortfall following income tax reductions, the focus will be on prioritizing core services and cutting unnecessary spending. The largest areas of spending are typically in health and human services, education, and corrections; each will likely be pushed to find new efficiencies.   

What is your vision for how the state should manage public lands, wildlife and natural resources?   

Montana’s greatest treasure—aside from its people—is our public lands. They’re the bedrock of life here, and I’ve supported legislation to keep them in public hands. As a fifth-generation Montanan, I believe every family deserves the chance to enjoy our outdoors. We need to better manage our forests through stronger state-federal partnerships and tools like the Good Neighbor Authority. This will allow us to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health while conducting a responsible harvest.   

Responsibly leveraging our natural resources is also critical to offsetting the rising cost of life in Montana. That means supporting a strong timber industry, expanding carbon-neutral hydropower where it makes sense and allowing responsible mining. Done right, these industries can help lower the cost of living, ease the burden on property taxpayers and support our schools and local services, all while protecting the Montana way of life and the landscapes we value.  

Why are you the best Republican candidate to represent your district?   

As your representative the last four years, the focus has been simple: listen, learn and keep my word. The legislation I’ve carried comes directly from conversations with constituents in the district.  

That approach has delivered real results like cracking down on fentanyl traffickers, expanding career and technical education to support the trades, investing in roads and bridges, holding employers accountable for hiring illegal labor and advancing pro-life policies like the adoption tax credit. It’s also produced a strong record—19 bills signed into law—and earned A ratings from trusted conservative organizations like the National Rifle Association, Montana Family Foundation, and Conservative Political Action Conference.  

As a fifth-generation Flathead resident and representative of the Heart of Kalispell, I’ve been proud to deliver conservative commonsense results on your behalf. My commitment to Kalispell stands. I will work every day to ensure this remains a place we are proud to call home.   

Name:  Luke Maxwell 

Age:  Not provided 

City/Town of Residence:  Kalispell   

Current Occupation:  Construction  

Professional & Community Background: I attended Montana State University.  

What is the best approach to balance state budget needs with concerns about increasing tax rates?  

Eliminating waste is paramount. Our budget should focus on supporting core infrastructure and public safety. We need to have full transparency on where every single dollar of our taxpayer money is spent. Budget surpluses should not serve to create new ongoing financial obligations, and we should make every effort to lower the tax burden for all Montanans.  

What is your vision for how the state should manage public lands, wildlife and natural resources?  

Montana has a rich bounty of natural resources, and we should protect and use them wisely. I support multiple-use management. We should conserve habitat and wildlife while allowing responsible grazing, farming, logging and recreation. Decisions should be made locally, with input from landowners, sportsmen and people in the area. I support wildlife conservation, access for hunters and anglers, and sensible science-based management so that our resources remain accessible, productive and are preserved for future generations of Montanans. 

Why are you the best Republican candidate to represent your district? 

I will fight to lower taxes, defend constitutional rights and hold the government accountable.  

I understand the needs of working families, small businesses and rural communities because I live them. 

I’m committed to full transparency and standing firm on my principles, and I will not be swayed by money or outside influence. My focus is safer communities, limited government, helping families, strengthening our local economy and preserving our Montana way of life. 

    Courtenay Sprunger.