State Representative District 4 in Montana State House District 4, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Lyn Bennett — Incumbent State Representative in MT

  Lyn Bennett is an incumbent Republican Montana State Representative for District 4, serving since January 2025 and seeking re-election in the June 2026 primary. Holding a bachelor's in nursing, she has worked as a nurse and in the Clerk of Court’s Office. Her conservative platform prioritizes tax relief, economic growth, and education. She has championed lower income taxes, expanded small business tax exemptions, and enacted property tax reforms like the Homestead Property Tax Act, benefiting homeowners. She advocates for school administrative efficiency to boost teacher pay. Bennett is a mother of three.

• Paula Koch — Teacher and Coordinator in Whitefish, MT

  Paula Koch, a lifelong Montanan and Democratic candidate for Montana House District 4, brings nearly three decades of public education experience. Residing in Whitefish, she is a Spanish teacher, ESL, and Gifted and Talented coordinator at Columbia Falls School District. Koch, who holds a Master's in Special Education and Spanish and has union leadership experience, advocates for policies supporting local businesses, fair school funding through property tax reform, strengthening special education, protecting open spaces and public lands, and managing growth. A Fulbright and Fund for Teachers Fellow, she is committed to ensuring her district has a strong voice in Helena by prioritizing constituent input.

• Shaun Pandina — Entrepreneur business owner in Kalispell, MT

  Shaun Pandina, a 45-year-old entrepreneur and business owner from Kalispell, Montana, is running as a Republican for State Representative in District 4 in the 2026 primary election. A father of four with a background in martial arts, he emphasizes courtesy, integrity, and self-control. Pandina advocates for lowering property taxes for all, including businesses, ensuring Montana's energy independence, and supporting law enforcement to enhance community safety. He believes in the responsible harvest of natural resources to fund essential services and supports school choice and parental rights in education. He is also committed to reducing government waste, balancing budgets, and supports congressional term limits, pledging to represent his district with open communication.

• Nathan Purdy — Rancher and Business Owner in MT

  Nathan Purdy, a Montana native, rancher, and business owner, is running as a Republican for the Montana House of Representatives, District 4. With a family legacy spanning over 100 years in the Flathead Valley, Purdy is committed to practical leadership and common-sense solutions. He believes government should work for its constituents with honesty and responsibility. His platform emphasizes building a strong local economy by supporting small businesses, encouraging responsible growth, and protecting the community's economic foundation. Purdy aims to be an accountable representative who prioritizes the needs of families and local businesses.