State Senator District 23 in Montana State Senate District 23, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Emma Kerr-Carpenter — Incumbent State Senator in Billings, MT

  Emma Kerr-Carpenter is an incumbent Montana State Senator for District 23, a position she assumed in January 2025. A Democrat, she previously served in the Montana House of Representatives. Born in Watertown, New York, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University. Kerr-Carpenter advocates for funding public safety, expanding mental healthcare, and building a fair tax system. Her platform emphasizes investing in the economy, supporting workers' rights, and ensuring higher wages. She also champions affordable housing, childcare, clean air and water, and accessible healthcare for all Montanans. She is seeking re-election in the 2026 Primary Election.

• Joanna Oblander — Candidate for State Senator in Shepherd, MT

  Joanna Oblander is a Republican candidate for Montana State Senate District 23, competing in the primary on June 2, 2026. A resident of Shepherd, Montana, she campaigns on a platform emphasizing public safety, advocating for stronger penalties for violent offenders and increased support for law enforcement. Oblander also prioritizes election integrity, economic development through workforce training, and empowering parents through school choice and safeguarding their rights in education. Her policy stances extend to active land management for wildfire prevention and fiscal responsibility, including cutting government waste and promoting permanent tax relief.