MONTANA HOUSE DISTRICT 26
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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PAUL JEFFERSON
(Dem)
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RUSSEL MINER
(Rep)
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?
I was born on Larson AFB in Moses Lake, WA on Jan. 25, 1955. I will be 71 on election day. I am retired. I have a BSE from MSU Texas, a MA from LSU and an MFA from Penn State.
For 16 years I was a professional stage manager for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. I was responsible for organizing very large crews and production costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Afterwards, I became a High School Theatre Teacher. I worked this job for 16 years. This was in a public school. I am very passionate about public schools. I believe that they are the backbone of our country.
I have also been an In School Suspension Tutor.
I believe that I have the empathy that is needed in a very divided state and district.
1. Public school funding and teacher retention. Montana must find a way to fund public education adequately. Ideas such as vouchers for private schools sucks limited funds from public schools. Teacher pay must increase. Teachers are burning out due to being overburdened with reports, meetings, etc.; let the teachers teach. Administration must support teachers.
2. No to Data Centers unless carefully regulated. Data Centers drain our public resources, particularly energy and water. Taxpayers must not bear the burden of higher energy costs. Montana has a huge drought problem right now. Data centers will not help.
3. Public Lands in Public Hands. Montana has a rich tradition of public lands being held dear by the public not big business
1. Fair taxation. Currently, too many tax benefits are going to super rich; teachers receive a $300.00 tax benefit for out-of-pocket expenses while billionaires can deduct yachts and private jets. Not Fair.
2. Raising minimum wage. Currently, it is $10.85 per hour. Not enough.
3. Tax benefits for first time home buyers. We must incentivize to help young people have affordable housing
4. Need to increase Medicaid. Poor people should not have to suffer due to their economics. Pressure on the Federal government would also be part of this.
1, Montana elections are secure. Those saying that they are not are blowing a dog whistle.
2. We have to eliminate dark money in Montana elections.
3. Judicial elections must be nonpartisan.
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