State Representative District 97 in Montana State House District 97, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Melody J Cunningham — Incumbent State Representative in Missoula, MT

  Melody Cunningham is an incumbent Democratic State Representative for Montana's House District 97, first elected in 2024 and assuming office on January 6, 2025. Born in Augusta, Maine, she holds a BA from Wellesley College and an MD from the University of Massachusetts, having pursued a career as a physician. She is seeking re-election in the 2026 Democratic primary. As a legislator, she champions reproductive freedom, healthcare access (including fully funding senior care), safe and affordable housing, and environmental protection through clean energy. She serves on the House Judiciary and Human Services committees, committed to representing Montanans on these critical issues.

• Michael P Hagestad — Associate Attorney in Missoula, MT

  Michael P. Hagestad is a Missoula native, married with two children. An associate attorney at HagEstad Law Group, he is licensed in Montana and Arizona, specializing in insurance defense litigation. He earned a bachelor's degree from Hillsdale College in 2021 and a law degree from the University of Montana in 2024. Running as a Republican for the Montana House of Representatives District 97, Hagestad's campaign focuses on lowering the cost of living for Montana residents. He aims to tackle housing, taxes, and insurance premiums by reducing barriers to entry.