State Representative District 17 in Montana State House District 17, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Chris Bechtold — Candidate for Montana House of Representatives, District 17 in MT

  Chris Bechtold is a Democratic Party candidate seeking election to the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 17. Bechtold is on the ballot for the Democratic primary, which is scheduled to occur on June 2, 2026. The primary election will determine the party's nominee for the general election on November 3, 2026. Bechtold is running in a district where other candidates, including Republicans Justin Cleveland, Michael Fasbender, and Susan Geise, are also vying for their party's nomination.

• Justin W Cleveland — Candidate for State Representative in MT

  Justin Cleveland is a Republican candidate running for election to the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 17. He is on the ballot for the primary election scheduled for June 2, 2026. Cleveland has publicly committed to supporting congressional term limits. He signed a pledge to cosponsor, vote for, and defend a resolution applying for an Article V convention to enact term limits on Congress. This position reflects a desire to transition from career politicians to citizen legislators, a stance he affirmed in March 2022. He faces Michael Fasbender and Susan Geise in the Republican primary.

• Michael J Fasbender — Candidate for State Representative in MT

  Michael Fasbender is a Republican candidate running for election to the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 17. He is slated to appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on June 2, 2026. Fasbender is competing against Justin Cleveland and Susan Geise for the Republican nomination in this district. Should he secure the nomination, he would advance to the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The available information does not detail his professional background, specific policy positions, or reasons for running beyond his candidacy for this legislative seat.

• Susan Geise — Candidate for State Representative in Helena, MT

  Susan Geise is a Republican candidate running for Montana House of Representatives District 17 in 2026. She brings extensive public service experience to her campaign, having previously served as a state legislator, chair of the Montana Republican Party, Lewis and Clark County Commissioner, lobbyist, librarian, hospice volunteer, and policy advisor. Geise advocates for lower taxes and more accountable government for Central Montana, emphasizing her commitment to positive leadership and putting the community first. She holds a bachelor's degree from Smith College.