State Senator District 42 in Montana State Senate District 42, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Mary Ann Dunwell — Incumbent State Senator in MT

  Mary Ann Dunwell is an incumbent Democratic State Senator for Montana's District 42, having held the office since 2023 after serving four terms in the House of Representatives (2015-2021). She is seeking re-election in the 2026 Primary. Dunwell's platform centers on improving access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, including reproductive care, making housing more affordable, establishing fairer taxes for working families, and increasing wages while reducing prices. Her legislative efforts in 2023 included bills on long-term care systems, inclusion for disabled Montanans, and property tax reform. She is also part of Leadership Montana's Class of 2026.

• Nicholas Lancette — Candidate for State Senator in MT

  Nicholas Lancette is campaigning for Montana State Senate District 42 in the 2026 Primary Election as a Republican. He is dedicated to defending life and believes in making homeownership accessible for Montanans by reducing regulations, controlling property taxes, and fostering local growth. Lancette advocates for significant tax reform, aiming to lower the overall tax burden on families and businesses and ensure government accountability, so residents can thrive without being financially strained.

• Stephen Lapraim — Candidate for State Senator in MT

  Stephen LaPraim is a Republican candidate seeking election to the Montana State Senate for District 42 in the June 2, 2026 primary election. He is one of three Republican contenders for the seat. LaPraim has also previously run for election to the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 17. His campaign is centered on economic prosperity and fiscal conservatism, advocating for policies to create more high-paying jobs by cutting red tape. He asserts that property and income taxes are excessively high, and government spending is out of control, emphasizing the necessity of a balanced budget.

• Mike Talia — Attorney in Helena, MT

  Mike Talia is a Republican candidate for Montana State Senate District 42 in the 2026 Primary Election. A husband, father, outdoorsman, public servant, Army veteran, and lawyer, he has practiced law in Montana for nearly two decades, representing various clients including ag producers and small businesses. A former Judge Advocate in the Montana Army National Guard, Talia moved to Montana from California's San Joaquin Valley, choosing to stay to preserve the state's character. He advocates for individual privacy, a strong economy for future generations, and careful management of public lands and water resources. He is running to preserve Montana as it was when he arrived, concerned about changes making it harder for residents to thrive.