State Representative District 5 in Montana State House District 5, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Braxton Mitchell — Incumbent State Representative, House Majority Whip in Columbia Falls, MT

  Braxton Mitchell, born in Whitefish, Montana in 2000, is a Republican politician and businessman who grew up working for his family's businesses in Columbia Falls. He has served in the Montana House of Representatives since January 2021, initially representing the 3rd district and, due to redistricting, now representing the 5th district. At the time of his first election, he was among the youngest elected officials nationwide. Mitchell currently holds leadership positions as the Republican Majority Whip and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. He supports policies such as banning lab-grown meat, requiring photo ID for voting, and imposing stricter penalties for impaired driving fatalities.

• Luca Welle — Substitute teacher in Columbia Falls, MT

  Luca Welle is seeking election as State Representative for Montana House District 5 in the 2026 Democratic primary. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in 2025 and has experience as a substitute teacher. Welle is running to be a new voice for District 5, advocating for affordability, protection of public lands, and addressing challenges he believes current representatives are neglecting. His platform emphasizes improving public school systems, promoting sustainable environmental management, and enhancing the Flathead Valley's transportation infrastructure. He also champions reaching across party lines and supporting nonpartisanship in institutions.