Senate District 1 encompasses the northwestern corner of Montana, including Eureka, Libby and the Thompson chain of lakes area. This year marks the first turnover in the seat since Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, was elected in 2019.  

STEVE GUNDERSON

Political affiliation: Republican 

Age: 69 

Town of residence: Libby 

Occupation: Retired business owner/operator 

Background: Citizen advocate in the 90s, working to open logging and mining jobs; Four-term Montana House representative; working member of the House Business and Labor, Local Government and Natural Resources committees and the Environmental Quality Council for eight years; chair of the House Natural Resources committee for two sessions; chair of the Environmental Quality Council for one interim session, from 2023-2024; Co-founder of the Libby Asbestos Superfund Oversight Committee in 2018 and chair of the committee from 2023-2024 

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

I do support the 4.7% flat income tax idea but must be able to read the exact details of the bill and any amendments before fully supporting it. This bill must give true relief to the taxpayers! 

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? 

The 2025 changes to property tax were not reforms. These changes were a tax shift to other classes of taxpayers. True reform requires the government to cut spending to truly reform and lower taxes on our citizens. Our budget is bloated and needs trimming. Montana’s citizens deserve true tax relief! 

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

There will always be a balancing act between legislative priorities and local jurisdictional independence. My past legislative experience will clearly give me insight on how to thread the needle on this subject. 

JONATHAN RUSSELL JAMESON 

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Age: 42 

Town of residence: Libby 

Occupation: Geology consultant 

Background: Volunteer youth coach 

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

No, this will hurt state budget and give top income earners more tax breaks.

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? 

The property tax issue is hurting a lot of people, and our goal should be limiting property and income taxes for low-wage earners while increasing tourism taxes and natural resource taxes. Taxes on data center tax are way too low as well. 

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

I will work with local jurisdiction to help them succeed in the manner they see fit. I will help but not control.