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MONTANA HOUSE DISTRICT 17

State House Representative – the office of state representative serves in the Montana legislature’s lower house. There are 100 representatives who are elected from districts. Representatives are elected to 2-year terms. Representatives propose and vote on proposed laws during the legislative sessions that meet for 90 days in odd-numbered years, and provide oversight of state agencies and study issues through interim committees that meet between sessions. Representatives are limited to four consecutive 2-year terms.

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  • Candidate picture

    CHRIS BECHTOLD
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    JUSTIN W CLEVELAND
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    MICHAEL J FASBENDER
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    SUSAN GEISE
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Q1. Please briefly provide the following information: place (town or county and state) of birth, age as of election day 2026, place (town or county) of permanent residency, occupation/employer, and education. How do these and your other life experiences qualify you to be an effective Legislator?

Q2. What are the most important issues you expect to face if elected to the Montana Legislature, and what are your positions on those issues? How would you prioritize each of the issues you have identified?

Q3. What economic policies will you pursue to help Americans who are concerned about their economic prospects in the coming years, including the cost of medical insurance and care?

Q4. What measures do you support to ensure Montana elections are secure while facilitating the ability of all eligible voters to cast their ballots? What, if anything, should the state government do to reduce the role of money in American elections?

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Campaign Website http://Susanforhd17.com
Parker, AZ 1949 76 years old Augusta, MT Smith College, Northampton, MA Former Legislator, former Lewis and Clark County Commissioner, former Augusta School Board, former chairman Montana Republican Party.

It is my unshakable intention to work together to address the serious challenges facing the people in House District 17.

I am seasoned, steady and known to say what I mean and mean what I say.

My priority list is direct: the Constitution, and my constituents. Party bosses will not control my votes; I serve the people and will not be bullied.
Much progress was made on the property tax issue that plagues Montana homeowners but more needs to be done.I have a plan to address that challenge.

Our rural areas face enormous challenges both from an impending drought, general scarcity of water, sky high diesel prices as well as fertilizer bills.

I support beef buyers knowing where that beef comes from.

I will work hard for workforce housing, increased opportunity for future first responders and more support for training much needed workers in the trades, agriculture and healthcare industry.

It is imperative that we maintain our access to rural healthcare facilities.
Increased support for education in the trades, apprenticeships and first responders.

We need to take a hard look at the daycare shortage and its expense. Lack of affordable daycare is a huge barrier to employment. Its costs make it not feasible if a parent is working an entry level job.

Pricing transparency is key for a patient considering necessary care. Health insurance companies should write contracts in plain English.

Hospitals should do their utmost to give patients an alternative to using the Emergency Room, the most expensive care. Encouraging people to have a primary care provider is key. Health insurance policies should provide for an annual checkup for wellness evaluation.
Montana elections are secure! I have had much experience working elections and have encouraged doubters to join in working in elections so they can see first hand that election fraud is nearly nonexistent. They come away educated and satisfied about the process.

Dark money, coupled now with artificial intelligence, is obscene.

If a voter gets negative piece of mail, or radio ad or TV, pay close attention to who paid for it; in HD 17, groups from Washington, DC with some a cobbled up name, but no individual named as treasurer should be viewed with eyes wide open.

People going door to door should be identified if they are being paid by an outside group. Current rate this primary is $25-$27 hourly.