House District 3 ties hamlets along U.S. 2, including Olney, West Glacier and Nyack, and the North Fork to the western and northern portions of Whitefish.

DERECK PEACHEY

Political affiliation: Republican 

Age: 51 

Town of residence: Whitefish 

Occupation: Entrepreneur in digital media and technology 

Background: Youth coach for Glacier Babe Ruth Baseball, Whitefish Little League and the Glacier Hockey Association; previous board member for the Glacier Hockey Association; member of First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish 

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

I support a simplified lower income tax structure paired with disciplined budgeting that eliminates waste and demands value for every taxpayer dollar. I support the flat income tax, but my highest tax priority for House District 3 is property tax reform. 

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? 

Property tax reform has been my core issue since I declared my candidacy. Too many homeowners, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes, are being squeezed by rising property taxes. While the 2025 reforms provided relief for some, most Flathead residents shoulder an unsustainable burden. We need a predictable system that protects primary residences from dramatic increases, provides meaningful relief for seniors and avoids shifting the burden to businesses or renters. No Montanan should be taxed out of a home they worked a lifetime to own. 

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

My starting point will always be limited government and local control. I will listen to local officials, businesses and, most importantly, residents. Montana is unique, and the people living in our communities should have a strong voice in determining our future.

DEBO POWERS 

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Age: 75 

Town of residence: Polebridge 

Occupation: State representative and retired public-school teacher and principal 

Background: Volunteer wilderness patroller for Glacier National Park; Volunteer fire lookout for Flathead National Forest; Member of Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee 

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

No, I do not support a flat income tax. It is not fair for teachers, firefighters, police officers and people working in our small businesses to pay the same rate as billionaires. The flat tax is a tax break for the wealthiest Montanans and will not help working-class and middle-class Montanans. The result will be less revenue for programs that help people. Income tax rates should be based on the ability to pay. 

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? 

In the 2025 Legislature, I attempted to get more property tax relief than was achieved.  However, we were able to lower the property taxes on most full-time residences and long-term rentals while increasing property taxes for second homes owned by out-of-state owners who pay no state income taxes. In the 2027 Legislature, I will be working hard to achieve more property tax relief. 

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

I support local control and think that in a number of cases the Legislature has gone too far in limiting local independence and control. All communities are not alike and should have the ability to make decisions reflecting their concerns and values.