Shaylee Ragar
Capitol Bureau ChiefShaylee began covering state government and politics for Montana Public Radio in August 2020.
Originally from Belgrade, Montana, she graduated from the University of Montana’s journalism program and previously worked as a reporter for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and UM’s Legislative News Service.
Please share tips, questions and concerns at 406-539-1677 or shaylee.ragar@mso.umt.edu.
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A ballot initiative aimed at restricting dark money in Montana elections is advancing. Dubbed "The Montana Plan," the proposal would prohibit any entity that does business in Montana from contributing to candidates, political parties or ballot issues. -
Democrats competing in Montana’s western district congressional race met for a debate in Butte Tuesday. They discussed money in politics, data centers and access to health care, among other topics. While the candidates found some distinction between their views, they agree on most issues. -
Controversial BLM director nominee clears first Senate hurdle. Dillon City Council appoints new mayor. Court upholds state law that allows insurance companies to factor gender, marital status into rates. Bozeman-based candidate withdraws from State Department nomination process. -
Montana Democrats gathered in Helena over the weekend to rally ahead of the 2026 election. Party leaders focused their message on rebuilding support for Democrats and unifying around their candidates. -
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, Montana’s top federal law enforcement officer, resigned from office Wednesday, the same day he launched a surprise campaign for U.S. Senate. -
Montana U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is retiring and withdrawing his reelection bid. Daines, Montana’s senior senator dropped out just moments before the deadline to join or withdraw from a race. He anointed the state’s U.S. Attorney to take his place in the election. -
Montana’s congressional delegates are united in their support for the war in Iran. Sen. Daines and Rep. Zinke also say they’ll vote against a war powers resolution that would limit Trump from taking additional unilateral action in the region. -
Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke announced Monday he’s retiring from office at the end of his term in January. His exit opens the door for new candidates to run. -
Gov. Gianforte says one of his top priorities before leaving office is to pass a flat income tax rate. The state’s healthy budget has supported tax cuts in recent legislative sessions, but revenue growth is slowing. -
A Democratic state senator from Box Elder entered the race for Montana’s eastern congressional district. Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy has been a state legislator since 2003. He’s a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and has long focused on issues like Native language preservation, state-tribal relations and child welfare.
