Shaylee Ragar

For years, political parties in most states have avoided getting involved in primary races -- leaving the choice to voters. But in many places, those elections are looking different this year.

Montana Public Radio this spring aired interviews with 20 candidates for federal office. MTPR's Shaylee Ragar joined Austin Amestoy to recap our coverage and share what voters should expect ahead of the primary election.

The Montana GOP is putting a thumb on the scale in competitive legislative primaries. More than a dozen moderate conservatives are facing challenges from hardline Republicans. The results will reveal how deep the state GOP’s influence runs.

Prominent Democrat and former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg stumped in Butte Sunday for a ballot initiative aimed at restricting "dark money" in politics. The proposal would bar businesses, associations and other “artificial persons" from supporting political campaigns.

One seat on Montana’s seven-member Supreme Court is up for election in 2026. Two colleagues are competing for the promotion. MTPR's Shaylee Ragar looks at their judicial philosophies.

Mail-in ballots are en route to voters across Montana. For those who haven’t registered to vote, a judge preserved the Election Day deadline to do so.

A judge dismisses a challenge to the 2024 initiative that enshrined abortion access in Montana’s Constitution; The BLM revokes bison grazing permits for American Prairie reserve; USDA grants an extension for rural water system program.

State Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy re-launched his bid for Congress. The Democrat from Box Elder had previously suspended his campaign after allegations of sexual abuse and harassment came to light last month. He cited poor health.

The search continues in Glacier National Park for a Florida man missing since Sunday. Gov. Gianforte saya he’s appointing attorney Rebecca Swandal to serve as a state district court judge. CNN Founder and long-time Montana landowner Ted Turner has died at age 87. To celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S., Gov. Gianforte is encouraging Montanans to engage in civic activities.

MTPR is airing interviews with candidates running for federal office in 2026. MTPR's Shaylee Ragar spoke with Tom Jandron, a Libertarian running for U.S. Senate.