Voters on Tuesday gave Republican Brad Abell, 67, a second term as a Flathead County commissioner.

Abell retained his seat after handily defeating 36-year-old Whitefish resident and Democratic challenger Nathan Dugan with 62% of the vote, according to unofficial election results. 

"I'm happy with the vote, with the turnout," said Abell, a Columbia Falls resident who was first elected to represent District 1 in 2020. He attributed his success to crafting fiscally conservative budgets, promoting work safety policies and forging strong relationships with state and federal elected officials.  

In the wake of separate fatal shootings that occurred in Lincoln and Sanders counties over Halloween weekend — the former included the death of Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Deputy Ryan Terpsma — Abell emphasized his campaign promise to support law enforcement.  

"Those guys have a tough job out there," he said.  

Despite the win, the staunch Republican found himself disheartened by Tuesday's results. His party experienced a wave of losses in federal races across the country, one that swept up Montana's western congressional district.  

It was near midnight when Republican Aaron Flint, a U.S. Army veteran and conservative talk radio host, conceded to Democratic candidate Sam Forstag, a smokejumper and union leader, in a tight race to replace outgoing GOP Congressman Ryan Zinke.  

Abell said he was disappointed by the results, but also recalled a fruitful relationship with former Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. He hopes to forge a similar bond with Forstag, he said. 

But he added that his expectations for the incoming congressman are low.  

"We'll see what the future lays," Abell said.  

INCUMBENT TIM Wenz, 49, won his reelection campaign for justice of the peace with 59% of the vote, according to unofficial results. Wenz defeated 45-year-old challenger Angela Ream. 

A former private attorney and county prosecutor, Wenz was sworn in to replace former Justice of the Peace Paul Sullivan in December 2024 after Sullivan was elected to serve as a Flathead County District Court judge. Justices of the peace are elected once every four years. 

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino easily secured his seat for a third term in the general election after he defeated Republican challenger, Evie Cahalen, in the June primary. The same went for Sheena Sterling, who ran unopposed on the November ballot for Flathead County clerk and recorder after she defeated fellow Republican Cheryl Hohman in the primary. Sterling will replace outgoing Clerk and Recorder Debbie Pierson.  

Marcia Stolfus won her uncontested race for Flathead County superintendent of schools. She was appointed by county commissioners to fill the position in June 2025 after it was vacated by former Superintendent Cal Ketchum. 

In the race for Flathead County treasurer, Tricia Haverkorn ran unopposed to replace outgoing Treasurer Adele Krantz, who is retiring from her 20-plus-year career in the role.  

County Attorney Travis Ahner also won his unopposed race for reelection, but it's likely county commissioners will appoint his replacement in the new year.  

Ahner was the sole applicant to fill a pending vacancy in Flathead County District Court with Judge Amy Eddy's ascension to the state Supreme Court. Gov. Greg Gianforte has until Nov. 29 to appoint her replacement. 

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.