State Representative District 51 in Montana State House District 51, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Jodee Etchart — Incumbent State Representative in Billings, MT

  Jodee Etchart is an incumbent Republican State Representative for Montana's House District 51, having assumed office in January 2025. She previously served for District 48 from 2023 to 2025. From Billings, her family has deep Montana roots, homesteading in 1908. Etchart holds degrees in Human Services and Physician Assistant Studies, having practiced as a PA for 24 years. A fiscal conservative, she advocates for reducing regulation, fostering economic growth, and creating jobs. Her legislative focus includes decreasing inflation, promoting safe communities, lowering property taxes, and improving healthcare access and affordability. She believes in protecting constitutional freedoms and individual liberties. She is seeking re-election in the 2026 primary.

• Precious Mckenzie — Educator and small business advocate in Billings, MT

  Precious McKenzie, a Democratic candidate for Montana House District 51 in 2026, has a background in education, fundraising for non-profits, and over a decade as a small business advocate. A Billings resident since 2011, she understands the challenges Montanans face and aims to create a safe, secure state for all. Her platform focuses on strengthening schools, ensuring affordable healthcare by protecting Medicaid expansion and lowering drug costs, and fostering an economy with livable wages and good-paying jobs. She also prioritizes protecting Montana's environment and supporting first responders.

• Lana Marie Tibbetts — Candidate for Montana House of Representatives, District 51 in MT

  Lana Marie Tibbetts is a Republican candidate seeking to represent District 51 in the Montana House of Representatives during the 2026 Primary Election. She is challenging incumbent Jodee Etchart in the Republican primary scheduled for June 2, 2026. Tibbetts has publicly committed to supporting term limits, a stance aimed at fostering a more responsive government. Her campaign focuses on the upcoming primary, with the general election for the seat set for November 3, 2026.