MONTANA HOUSE DISTRICT 96
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.
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
BOB CARTER
(Dem)
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?
Other Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/cartermt.us
Born 1965 in Great Falls; B.S. in computer science with minors in math and media arts, University of Montana; third-generation
Montanan; worked on farms and ranches through college; trained as computer scientist; worked as chief information officer; 11 years as a public school board trustee; boards of directors for various nonprofit, governmental, educational, and agricultural organizations; served in House since 2023; spouse’s name is Laurie, we have three children and more than 70 foster children.
I don’t know if there is anything that can really prepare someone for their first time in the legislature - it is unlike anything I’ve ever done. I am fortunate to have served in two prior sessions and I highly value that experience.
Issues will include
I would focus on lowering the cost of living, especially in healthcare and housing. This can be done by expanding ACA subsidies, lowering drug prices through Medicare, capping out-of-pocket costs, and exploring a public option. I’d raise incomes by increasing the minimum wage, protecting unions, and investing in job training for growing industries like clean energy and technology. Tax policy should ease burdens on working families and small businesses while ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share. I’d also invest in affordable housing and expanding childcare, especially pre-K education for kids ages 3 to 5. Next, strengthening infrastructure for an economy that grows from the middle out.
Montana elections are already very secure. More work needs to be done to expand voter registration, and secure drop boxes for ballot collection. The Montana Plan needs to be implemented to reduce the role of money in elections.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.