State Senator District 34 in Montana State Senate District 34, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Carl Anderson — Program Director, MSU Leadership Development in MT

  Carl Anderson is a Democratic candidate for the Montana State Senate, representing District 34, and is on the ballot for the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026. A lifelong Montanan, he was born in Forsyth and resides in Gallatin County. As of 2024, he is 37 years old. Anderson runs a leadership development program for Montana State University students, where he teaches young people how to create positive change in local and state public policy. He is deeply familiar with legislative processes and community needs. His primary policy focus includes addressing the rising costs of housing, property taxes, and infrastructure, advocating for fair taxation aligned with proposals from Democratic legislative leadership.

• Caleb Hinkle — Incumbent Montana House of Representatives - District 68 in Belgrade, MT

  Caleb Hinkle is a Republican member of the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 68 since January 4, 2021. He is currently seeking election to the Montana State Senate for District 34 in the June 2, 2026 primary. During his three terms in the House, Hinkle has maintained a 95% lifetime voting score, demonstrating a strong commitment to principles of freedom, responsibility, and limited government. He is recognized for his 100% Pro-Life stance and serves on the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee. He resides in Belgrade, Montana.

• Shelley Vance — Incumbent State Senator in Belgrade, MT

  Shelley Vance is an incumbent Republican State Senator representing Montana's District 34, having assumed office in 2022. She is seeking re-election in the 2026 Republican primary. Vance identifies as a Conservative Republican, though she was part of a moderate legislative coalition and censured for her efforts, which she asserts reflect her constituents' policy-driven desires and a rebuke of the far-right. Her policy positions include strong support for law enforcement, advocating for officer retention, and robust drug and immigration enforcement. She also promotes access to vocational training and apprenticeship programs, and has supported conservative measures on abortion, transgender bathroom access, and displaying the Ten Commandments in schools.