House District 6 includes northern Kalispell and is currently served by Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell. The district begins near Flathead Valley Community College and stretches to the county line, incorporating communities along and west of U.S. 93.

DARREN FIX

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Age: 57 

Town of residence: Kalispell 

Occupation: Software engineering manager 

Background: U.S. Navy veteran and former fire controlman, programming computers for shipboard missile systems; worked in software for more than 30 years; trustee for Kalispell branch of Veterans of Foreign Wars; Montana resident for more than 25 years; 4-H project mentor; Hospice volunteer; Court appointed special advocate; St. Matthew’s parishioner; Former eucharistic minister and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults teacher 

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

No, I oppose it. The flat tax cuts rates for people who can already afford to live here and does nothing for families struggling with gas, food, rent and childcare. Most families in House District 6 already pay 4.7%. Starting in 2027, a married couple pays that rate on their first $130,000 of taxable income, so only income above that gets a cut. The state’s own analysts estimate it would cost up to $130 million a year. If we have room to cut taxes, it should go to the people who need the help. 

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? 

Yes. Rising home values shifted more of the tax load onto Montana families. The 2025 reforms cut rates on primary homes and long-term rentals and raised them on second homes and short-term rentals. Flathead homeowners are projected to see an average 17% cut from 2024 to 2026. It’s a step in the right direction, and I’ll defend it against the lawsuit trying to overturn it. Next, we need a guardrail on how fast appraisal values can rise so no one is taxed out of a home they’ve lived in for decades. 

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

Helena shouldn’t dictate how Montanans raise and spend their own tax dollars. County commissioners, school boards and city councils answer to their neighbors every day and understand local needs best. The Legislature’s job is to set fair ground rules that protect taxpayers — like a guardrail on how fast appraisal values can rise — then get out of the way. Local voters and their elected officials should decide what their community needs and how to pay for it. 

JIM RILEY

Political affiliation: Republican 

Age: 58 

Town of residence: Kalispell 

Occupation: Business consultant and real estate agent 

Background: Former Smith Valley School Board trustee; entrepreneur for 45 years; member of Glacier Country Pachyderm Club, the National Rifle Association and Montana Farmers Union  

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

Yes, it keeps things simple for everyone to understand and fair for all. Plus, it keeps Montana competitive against other surrounding states. 

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? 

Fixing the tax problems in Montana is at the top of everyone’s list for the next session. I will do my own due diligence and support what makes the most sense for Montanans and my district. 

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

I am fortunate to have many veteran elected officials to lean into for advice and direction as I navigate both the needs of my local jurisdiction while maintaining some independence.