House District 4 includes much of Columbia Falls and Whitefish. Sitting Rep. Lyn Bennett, R-Columbia Falls, ran for reelection but was defeated in the primaries.

PAULA KOCH

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Age: NA 

Town of residence: Columbia Falls 

Occupation: Spanish and extended studies teacher and coach for Columbia Falls School District 

Background: Columbia Falls Education Association president, lead negotiator and treasurer; Fullbright Teachers for Global Classrooms fellow; cross country, track and Special Olympics coach; Montana Quality Education Coalition member; volunteer for Whitefish Theater Company, Land to Hand, Whitefish School Bond Committee, Soroptimist International of Whitefish, Whitefish Legacy Partners, Glacier Unitarian United Fellowship, Tamarack Grief Resource Center, Code Girls, Glacier Nordic, Whitefish Community School, Alpine Theater Project and DREAM Adaptive 

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

A flat tax may sound simple, but before committing to this approach, the Legislature needs to carefully examine who benefits, who bears the cost, how much revenue the state would receive and what the change could mean for funding our schools, public services and communities. 

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 Legislature took meaningful steps toward property tax relief. In 2027, we should measure the results and build on what is working. I would prioritize continued relief for primary residences, examine how rising valuations affect long-term homeowners and evaluate whether reforms are increasing long-term rental housing. We need this data to make meaningful changes while protecting funding for our schools and local governments. 

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

Montana communities are very different. What works in Columbia Falls may not work the same way in Whitefish or a rural eastern Montana town or a growing city. Local governments are closer to the people dealing with housing, infrastructure, growth, roads and public services, and understand their community-specific issues. That said, statewide problems sometimes require statewide solutions. Issues such as funding public education, statewide infrastructure, water resources or certain environmental standards can cross jurisdictional boundaries. 

SHAUN PANDINA 

Political affiliation: Republican 

Age: 47 

Town of residence: Flathead County resident for the last 34 years 

Occupation: Entrepreneur and business owner 

Background: Resident of the Flathead Valley for more than 30 years; dedicated community advocate; father of four; small business owner 

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

I support lower taxes, including a flat tax. A simpler fairer tax system creates jobs, raises wages and helps Montana families deal with our high cost of living. Honestly, I think we can do better than 4.7%. I’d like to see us get to 4.5% or even 4%. That way, every Montanan sees a tax break. Every dollar we leave in Montana families’ pockets instead of sending to Helena is a win for our communities. 

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’ll be blunt: the 2025 property tax bills hurt Montanans. It was a tax shift, not tax relief. Business taxes went up, driving costs higher for everyone, while the small break on primary residences will disappear the next time property values are assessed. Furthermore, nearly every Democrat voted for this shift while most Republicans opposed it. In 2027, I’ll push for real reform that actually lowers taxes for everyone, not just moves the burden around. If you want true lasting property tax relief, make sure you vote Shaun Pandina Nov. 3. 

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

Local communities know their needs better than Helena does, and I’ll always start from that premise. Local control matters, and I intend to respect it. However, there are times when guardrails are necessary, especially when Constitutional rights are at stake or when local decisions create problems that affect all Montanans. My approach is straightforward: respect local authority first, and step in only when there’s a genuine reason to.