2024 Montana Governor Voters Guide
Ryan Busse (D) vs Greg Gianforte (R)
The Candidates
Legal. Is “an unapologetic defender of the freedom of health care and reproductive choice.” The right to choose is guaranteed in the Montana Constitution “as a matter of privacy.” Individual state bans are “radical and oppressive,” and ending Roe v. Wade was “disastrous.”
Ban. In 2023 signed four bills restricting abortion access, including a ban on the most common abortion procedure after 15 weeks; said he was giving “a voice to the voiceless.” “All life is precious and must be protected.” Criticized a 2024 Montana Supreme Court decision that minors don’t need their parents’ permission to get an abortion.
Yes. “The reality of the climate crisis isn’t debatable.” “We will address the crisis with clarity and urgency.” Involving stakeholders from across the political spectrum “will ensure economic stability, good-paying jobs, and innovation that will build up communities.”
No. In 2023 signed a bill that bars the state from considering climate impacts as part of environmental reviews. Withdrew Montana from the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to fighting climate change. The climate solution is unleashing American innovation, not government mandates.
“Law enforcement agencies are understaffed.” On the opioid crisis, first step: “supporting local law enforcement.” No position found on fairness.
Supports “cracking down on criminals,” addressing the drug and mental health epidemic, and increasing resources for law enforcement. No position found on fairness.
No. Opposes “using taxpayer money to fund private and religious charter schools—which threatens… rural communities.” Public schools must be “fully funded and taxpayer $ should NEVER… create one path for rich kids and a lesser path for everyone else.” Opposes public money for private schools without public oversight.
Yes. Signed a bill increasing state tax credits for donations to scholarships for private-school students. Signed a bill that lets parents propose new schools exempt from state curriculum and safety rules and from hiring certified teachers. Signed a bill that allows special-needs parents to be reimbursed for private school with taxpayer money.
Tighten. Would rebuild the MT Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Opposes “any effort to limit access” to public lands or “transfer management of federal public lands to states.”
Mixed. Secured funds that led to $50 million from the EPA “to improve the resilience of our forests, agriculture industry, and waterways.” Opposed a federal effort to prohibit new coal leases in Montana until 2038.
Loosen. Signed a “constitutional carry” bill, allowing concealed firearms in public settings without a permit. Signed a bill prohibiting state enforcement of any federal gun-control measure. Gun control measures don’t stop criminals; they “step on the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
Yes. “Folding more Montanans into Medicaid coverage was a bipartisan solution that has… [helped] countless people.” Both parties “fought hard for Medicaid expansion, and I promise to protect it.… We’ll keep health care accessible, no matter where you live.” Work requirements are unnecessary.
No. Medicaid “should be a temporary program for most people to help them get back on their feet,” “for those who truly need it.“ By June 2024 the state health department had disenrolled 135,000+ people after lifting Covid-era rules. “Adults with no dependents [should] work to receive benefits.”
Unclear. Says immigration is matter of federal policy: “The governor of Montana [can’t] impact that federal law-making process directly.”
With nine Republican governors, offered a 10-point plan for securing the border. Said the state may need to step in if the federal government fails to enforce immigration laws. In 2024, directed Montana National Guard to help Texas with border security.
Easier. “Unions are essential for… ensuring better pay and safe working conditions.” “Grow organized labor.” “Union members are the heart and soul of our communities.” Will veto “so-called ‘right to work’” legislation, which allows employees in a unionized workplace to not pay union dues.
Harder. In Congress, voted against the PRO Act, which would expand workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain and overrule state “right to work” laws. His 2020 gubernatorial campaign supported right-to-work legislation.
Expand. It’s about decency: “We are not obsessed with gender or sexuality…. We don’t live for drag or banned books… But we hate goddamned bullies and will stand up for knowledge & the marginalized.”
Legalize. “I am in support of alcohol and marijuana being legal and regulated in similar manners.”
No position found.
No. On forgiving student loans, the policy will hurt Democrats: “Non-college educated folks are going to take a lot of offense.” No position found on lower interest rates.
Mixed. On forgiveness: Montanans who didn’t take out student loans “shouldn’t have to pay the student loans of others.” Wants lower interest rates for student loans.
Lower the residential tax rate by one third. Increase taxes on wealthy Montanans & large corporations. “Will demand the Legislature adjust the property tax rate when home values increase to prevent the burden falling on homeowners.” Opposes a statewide sales tax. Is open to a homestead exemption.
Signed a $1 billion tax package with short-term property and income tax rebates and ongoing state income tax cuts, including a cut to the top-bracket marginal tax rate. “We should move ahead with a homestead exemption” on primary residences. Opposes a statewide sales tax.
Easier. “We will make it easier for people to vote” and “do everything we can to increase the franchise, not reduce” it. “It’s not right to have armed people scaring voters at polling places.”
Harder. In 2021 signed bills ending same-day voter registration and creating new photo ID requirements. In 2024 the Montana Supreme Court ruled the laws unconstitutional.
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