House District 2 includes Libby and the communities surrounding the Thompson chain of lakes, Little Bitterroot Lake and Ashley Lake. 

JANE MAAHS

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Age: 77 

Town of Residence: Libby 

Occupation: Retired 

Background: Board member of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee 

Do you support Gov. Greg Gianforte’s initiative to implement a 4.7% flat state income tax? Why or why not?

No. 

The 2025 Montana Legislature implemented a number of property tax reforms. Do you support these efforts? What other steps should the 2027 Legislature take to address property taxes? 

I support property tax reform. More can be done to make property taxes more equitable. 

How will you balance your legislative priorities with local jurisdictional independence and control? 

I will consider how to balance as each issue is presented. 

TOM MILLETT

Political affiliation: Republican 

Age: 60 

Town of residence: Marion 

Occupation: Consultant 

Background: Graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power Program; eight years in the U.S. Navy commissioning two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including a deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; more than 30 years of experience operating and maintaining nuclear and fossil-fuel power plants; life member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars 

Do you support Gov. Greg Gianforte’s initiative to implement a 4.7% flat state income tax? Why or why not? 

Yes, I support a flat income tax because it creates a simple, fair and predictable tax system where everyone pays the same rate. A low single rate can reduce the burden on working families, encourage work and investment and make Montana more competitive. It also reduces complexity, limits incentives to avoid paying and gives taxpayers greater certainty about what they owe. 

The 2025 Montana Legislature implemented a number of property tax reforms. Do you support these efforts? What other steps should the 2027 Legislature take to address property taxes? 

No. These reforms shifted the tax burden rather than reducing it. In trying to tax wealthy out-of-state property owners, long-time Montanans with generational property were also caught in the crossfire and face huge tax increases. Meaningful reform requires state and local spending caps, Truth in Taxation when caps are exceeded and redirecting lodging, rental car and “sin” tax revenue to counties for property tax relief, among other methods to reduce our property taxes. 

How will you balance your legislative priorities with local jurisdictional independence and control? 

I have always believed that local leaders, who are closest to the people they serve, must have the flexibility to address their communities’ unique needs. I will respect that local control by focusing state government on its core responsibilities and avoiding unnecessary mandates on local jurisdictions. I will work with local governments, listen to their concerns and pursue state-level policies that strengthen our communities while preserving local decision-making.