Four candidates are running for the Montana Supreme Court—two for chief justice, two for associate justice

Montana is holding an election for two Montana Supreme Court justices—one for chief justice and one associate justice seat. Chief Justice Mike McGrath and Justice Dirk M. Sandefur are retiring at the end of their terms. The Supreme Court clerk, a partisan position, is also up for election. Incumbent Bowen Greenwood (R) is running for re-election.

Jerry Lynch and Cory Swanson are running for chief justice. Katherine M. Bidegaray and Dan Wilson are running for associate justice.

While justices are elected in nonpartisan elections in Montana, Montana Free Press’ Arren Kimbel-Sannit wrote, “Partisan interests have already taken sides in these elections. … Generally, Democratic-aligned groups like the Montana Federation of Public Employees and Montana Conservation Voters have endorsed Lynch and Bidegaray while Swanson and Wilson have received support from some prominent conservatives, including Gov. Greg Gianforte.”

MTN News’ Mike Dennison wrote that McGrath and Sandefur “often are seen as the liberal-leaning justices on the high court,” which Dennison described as containing three liberal-leaning justices, two conservative-leaning justices, and two swing-voting justices. If two conservative-leaning justices win in 2024, the majority would lean conservative. If at least one liberal-leaning justice wins in 2024, both blocs will remain without a majority.

Lynch earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Carroll College, a master’s degree in zoology and genetics from Montana State University, and a law degree from the University of Montana Law School. He worked as a federal magistrate in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, a law clerk, and an attorney in private practice. Lynch described his judicial philosophy as “fair, impartial and independent of any partisan or political motivation.”

Swanson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Carrol University, a law degree from the University of Montana Law School, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Swanson has worked as an attorney in a Helena law firm, deputy attorney general, Broadwater county attorney, and served in the Montana Army National Guard. Swanson said that in his judicial philosophy, “judges should be as fair and impartial as possible in every instance. … That means rigorously applying the appellate standards for decisions, relying upon the plain text of the statute to understand the law, and avoiding personal temptations to re-write the law in a particular direction.”

Bidegaray earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from the University of Montana and a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law. Bidegaray owns and operates a family ranch and has worked as an attorney in the state auditor’s office, an attorney in private practice, and a district court judge. She said, “My judicial philosophy centers on fairness, respect, and impartiality, devoid of political or personal bias. I adhere strictly to the 1972 Montana Constitution, the United States Constitution, and established legal precedents and statutes.”

Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a law degree from the University of Minnesota. Wilson’s experience includes working as an attorney, Flathead County Justice of the Peace, and a district court judge. Wilson said, “My judicial philosophy is simple: interpret and apply the provisions of the United States and Montana Constitutions and all laws according to their original intent and plain meaning, and do not follow the views of special interests or personal views to determine the outcome of any case.”

Montana is one of 33 states holding state supreme court elections in 2024. Click here to learn more about state judicial elections.