House District 7 encompasses downtown Kalispell.

MADISON EVANS

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Age: 35 

Town of residence: Kalispell 

Occupation: Mental health therapist and licensed clinical social worker 

Background: Oncology social worker and Cancer Support and Survivorship Program manager at Logan Health Medical Center; Wings Regional Cancer Support Board member; Kalispell Chamber Child Care Committee member 

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

I don’t support it. Most Montanans already pay 4.7%, so this only cuts the top bracket — the wealthiest 20% getting 95% of the benefit. That’s a targeted cut, and it’s not for working Montanans. You can’t claim to fight for affordability and back this. It costs $130 million a year out of the fund supporting schools and public safety, while school levies keep failing as families are already stretched thin by property taxes. Then, what, a sales tax? I oppose that. So, where’s the relief? Where’s the benefit? I don’t see it. 

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 protecting primary homeowners, just not the full result we witnessed. Businesses now carry a greater burden, and Kalispell felt that hard. In 2027, we need real steps: an income-based circuit breaker so long-term residents and retirees aren’t priced out, a school funding formula update that could shift some of the weight off property taxpayers, a smoother reappraisal cycle and a review of how Tax Increment Financing districts affect the tax shift. 

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

My approach distinguishes what genuinely requires a statewide standard from what should stay local. School funding formulas, tax fairness and ratepayer protections cross borders and need state action; no single city can fix them alone. But how Kalispell zones or calibrates its own tools, like impact fees, or manages growth must be decided by people close to the ground. My rule is to build tools for local governments and secure local input before touching local authority. 

COURTENAY SPRUNGER

Political affiliation: Republican 

Age: 45 

Town of residence: Kalispell 

Occupation: Public relations 

Background: Fifth-generation Flathead Valley resident; founder of Big Sky Public Relations; two-term state representative for House District 7; board member for Glacier Bank and the Conrad Mansion; Montana Ambassadors member; Emeritus Court Appointed Special Advocate; former chair of Kalispell Chamber of Commerce; former Rotary basketball coach; raised $184,000 for Flathead Food Bank last year 

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

I support the principle of a flatter lower income tax, provided it can be implemented responsibly. During both terms I have served, Montana has collected surplus revenue. The Legislature should examine spending, make strategic reductions and leave more money with taxpayers rather than continue over-collecting. Before supporting a final bill, I want to understand its effects on essential services, long-term budget stability and taxpayers at every income level. 

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 supported the 2025 reforms, which delivered ongoing relief for primary residences and long-term rentals. I also carried the Right Back Act, which is expected to provide $50–60 million annually across every property tax class while preserving school equalization. In 2027, we should address burdens on commercial property and vacant land through more accurate appraisals and fairer appeals. Tax Increment Financing reform should scrutinize renewals and consider surplus distributions after districts have had 10 years to build responsible reserves. 

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

I believe decisions are best made closest to the people they affect, and like every level of government, local control needs checks and balances. Property taxes pay for police, fire, roads and schools, and local budgets drive those collections. When local budgets regularly outpace what taxpayers can sustain, we have to consider reasonable state guardrails. The same is true with zoning; communities need flexibility, but we must also protect private property rights. The goal is balance, not micromanaging local decisions from Helena.