State Representative District 44 in Montana State House District 44, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Mike Eaton — Candidate for State Representative in MT

  Mike Eaton is a Democratic candidate for the Montana House of Representatives, aiming to represent District 44. He is scheduled to appear on the Democratic primary ballot on June 2, 2026. He will be challenging incumbent Katie Zolnikov, who is running in the Republican primary for the same district. Eaton has expressed a desire to be a "voice from the middle" in a politically divided country, suggesting a moderate approach to his political philosophy.

• Katie Zolnikov — Incumbent State Representative in Billings, MT

  Katie Zolnikov is a fourth-session Republican State Representative for Montana's House District 44, representing North Billings Heights and Shepherd. She assumed office in January 2025 and serves as House Speaker Pro Tem for the 69th Legislature. Zolnikov previously represented HD 45 from 2020 to 2025, succeeding her husband, and has a background as a business owner. She ran unopposed in previous elections and has chaired the House Committee on Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations. At 27 and a new mother, she is among the youngest legislative leaders. She is seeking re-election in the 2026 Republican primary.