State Representative District 53 in Montana State House District 53, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Troy Charbonneau — Paramedic in Laurel, MT

  Troy Charbonneau is a Republican running for the Montana House of Representatives, District 53, in the 2026 primary. With over 25 years in public safety, he brings extensive experience, having served two decades in law enforcement, including over 14 years as a detective investigating serious and violent crimes, particularly against children. He currently works as a paramedic with Laurel Emergency Medical Services in Yellowstone County. Charbonneau's campaign priorities include strengthening public safety by holding offenders accountable and combating human trafficking, protecting and improving emergency medical services, and lowering property taxes. He is also committed to ensuring state government accountability and has pledged support for congressional term limits.

• Matthew J Hankins — Candidate for State Representative in MT

  Matthew J. Hankins is a Democratic candidate for the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 53. He is on the ballot for the Democratic primary election, which is scheduled for June 2, 2026. The general election will take place on November 3, 2026. He seeks to secure the Democratic nomination for the seat.

• Nelly Nicol — Incumbent State Representative in Billings, MT

  Nelly Nicol is an incumbent Republican member of the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 53. She assumed office on January 2, 2023, and her current term concludes in January 2027. Nicol is seeking re-election for the same district in the upcoming Republican primary on June 2, 2026. A graduate of Montana State University Billings with a BS degree, she works in the insurance profession, specifically for Victory Insurance Company, Inc. Prior to her current role, she made an unsuccessful bid for state auditor in 2020. She serves her constituents in Billings, Montana.