GREAT FALLS — The 2024 general election is now history.
Here’s a recap of some of the races and ballot measures that voters were presented with on Tuesday, November 5.
Governor Greg Gianforte cruised to a second term, defeating challenger Ryan Busse.
Political newcomer Tim Sheehy unseated three-term U.S. Senator Jon Tester.
Montana's two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives:
- The Eastern District was won by Troy Downing, who defeated John Driscoll to succeed Matt Rosendale.
- In the Western District, incumbent Ryan Zinke fended off a challenge from Monica Tranel.
Austin Knudsen, the incumbent Montana Attorney General, turned away challenger Ben Alke.
In the Secretary of State race, Christi Jacobsen earned a second term as she defeated Jesse Mullen.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction race featured two newcomers, as Elsie Arntzen wrapped up two terms in office, with Susie Hedalen defeating Shannon O'Brien.
James Brown defeated John Repke to become the new Commissioner of Securities & Insurance.
There were two races involving the Montana Supreme Court; as of 12:30 p.m. on November 7, the races stand at:
- Cory Swanson has received 288,939 votes; Jeremiah Lynch has garnered 247,682 votes.
- Katherine Bidegaray has racked up 290,863 votes; Dan Wilson has received 248,289.
There were three Constitutional Initiatives on the ballot; as of 12:30 p.m., on November 7, here is where they stand:
- CI-126: 278,628 votes in favor of it, and 294,217 votes against it. The ballot measure would have all candidates appear on the same primary ballot, with their preferred political party or “no party preference” listed. Voters would choose one candidate for each office, and the top four finishers, regardless of party, will move on to the general election.
- CI-127: This measure seems likely to fail, with 341,966 people voting no, and 222,338 voting yes. This ballot measure would have changed the rules for the general election. Instead of just the candidate with the most votes winning, it would require a candidate get a majority – at least 50% of the vote – to win.
- CI-128: A majority of people voted in favor of this ballot measure, with the tally at 336,442 in favor, and 247,287 against. The measure enshrines the right to an abortion in the Montana Constitution.
Click here for the latest election results
The Montana Secretary of State Office was reporting a 74% statewide voting turnout with nearly 86% of precincts reporting as of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7.
