State Senator District 12 in Montana State Senate District 12, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Mindy Leach — Optometrist, small business owner in Great Falls, MT

  Mindy Leach earned her high school diploma from Cheney High School and a degree from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1989. She is an optometrist and small business owner, having practiced her profession and built her business in Great Falls, Montana, where she also raised her family and is an active community member. Dr. Leach is running for the Montana State Senate to uphold the Constitution, protect freedoms, and serve the people by bringing a practical, common-sense voice focused on solutions. Her priorities include strengthening public schools, backing small businesses, ensuring safe neighborhoods, and supporting affordable healthcare and responsible energy development. She emphasizes listening to solve problems and putting Montana families first.

• George Nikolakakos — Incumbent Montana State Representative in Great Falls, MT

  George Nikolakakos, born November 24, 1979, is an American politician and Republican currently serving in the Montana House of Representatives. An Iraq War veteran, he first won election to House District 22 in 2022 and was re-elected in 2024. He chairs the Legislative Administration committee for the 2025 session. He advocates for supporting law enforcement and veterans, lowering living costs, expanding trade skills, an "all of the above" energy policy, protecting Second Amendment rights, and reforming property taxes while keeping taxes low. He is a candidate for Montana State Senate District 12 in the 2026 Primary Election.

• Randy Pinocci — Incumbent Montana Public Service Commissioner, District 1 in Sun River, MT

  Randy Pinocci is a small business owner and a Republican candidate for Montana State Senate District 12 in the 2026 primary election. He currently serves as an incumbent on the Montana Public Service Commission, a role he's held since 2019, and previously served in the Montana House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017. Pinocci advocates for pro-life policies, making Montana a net energy exporter, and protecting the existing energy sector. He is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, opposes illegal immigration, and seeks to cut the budget, return tax dollars to citizens, and reduce property taxes.

• James G Whitaker — Candidate for State Senator in MT

  James Whitaker is a Democratic candidate running for the Montana State Senate to represent District 12 in the 2026 primary election, scheduled for June 2. He is on the Democratic primary ballot and will be running against fellow Democrat Mindy Leach. Whitaker has prior experience running for state office, having previously been a candidate for Montana House District 22 in 2024, where he secured 28.2% of the vote. Information regarding his professional background or specific policy positions is not available in the provided search results.