69th Montana Legislature

The 69th Montana Legislature was the legislative session of the Montana Legislature that convened on January 6, 2025 and adjourned sine die April 30, 2025. While there was a republican majority in both chambers, the session was notable for a Senate coalition of 18 Democrats and 9 moderate Republicans, dubbed "the nine,” which created a 27-23 working majority in the Senate that blocked a number of Republican efforts.
The Montana Republican party censured the nine Republican Senators, Jason Ellsworth, Butch Gillespie, Gregg Hunter, Joshua Kassmier, Gayle Lammers, Denley Loge, Wendy McKamey, Russel Tempel, and Shelley Vance. In response, Eight of the nine,, wrote an open letter to the citizens of Montana, stating “ We were elected to serve you, not to follow orders from political insiders.”.

Events

On March 3, Representative Ron Marshall resigned, citing critiques over the influence of lobbyists on the Legislature. Former county commissioner Terry Nelson was appointed March 10 to replace him.
On June 16, Representative Marta Bertoglio resigned after being appointed to lead the state's commerce department. Contractor Mark Reinschmidt was appointed July 22 to replace her.