Rep. Reksten responds to Hertz letter⁠

I am disappointed that Senator Greg Hertz has decided to support my opponent for his personal benefit as the owner of second homes and multiple properties.⁠ To protect his own interests, he has aligned himself with MTGOP party bosses to repeal Governor Gianforte’s property tax bill passed in the 2025 session benefiting 80% of homeowners in HD 13. ⁠

I am further disappointed that he did not work with the Governor or House leadership in the Legislative session. Instead, he worked to weaken the property tax bill as chair of the Senate Tax Committee by delaying the bill and refusing to negotiate in order to protect his own financial interests. ⁠

Voters should be aware that Senator Hertz, Senator McGillvray, and retired Senator Regier are suing the State of Montana to repeal the property tax cuts that helped more than 375,000 homeowners in Lake County and across Montana. The truth is, if this lawsuit is successful, we will all see an increase in our property taxes.⁠

Because I supported the Governor’s property tax reforms (HB 231 and SB 542), Lake County voters are seeing a coordinated wave of mailers and campaign messaging that lie about my voting record. Those involved include the MTGOP, the Freedom Caucus, Americans for Property, and Accountability in State Government. ⁠ My primary opponent has repeated many of these same lies.⁠

It is important to be clear about what is at stake – repealing these property tax bills will increase property taxes for constituents, small businesses, farms and ranches so important to HD 13. ⁠ Senator Hertz’s endorsement of my opponent appears intended to secure a “puppet” vote to repeal those tax reductions in his favor.

For the record, the MTGOP does not have any authority to remove me from the Republican Party.⁠ This is another lie from the MTGOP.⁠

The truth is, I have always been a Conservative Republican serving my constituents as verified by my voting record. ⁠ My priority has from the beginning been to serve the people of HD 13, not myself.⁠

I was born and raised in Polson, as were my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. I worked my way through college in various jobs starting at age 13 here in Polson. My career reflects 40 years of education service to children and families.

I live here, work here, own a home here and pay taxes here.⁠ I value the voices of my constituents, take their concerns about legislation seriously, and participate in finding solutions for community challenges, like helping secure a $2.75 million grant for the Mission Valley Ice Arena this year.

Lake County deserves representation rooted in the community and focused on its real concerns, not someone who moved to HD 13 less than six months ago with no understanding of community issues and instead letting himself be used by people like Senator Hertz.

I will always put your interests first. I would be honored to have your vote on June 2.