State Senator District 43 in Montana State Senate District 43, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• David Bedey — Incumbent Montana House of Representatives, District 86 in Hamilton, MT

  David Bedey is an incumbent Republican member of the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 86 since 2019. A retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30 years of service, he holds degrees in Civil Engineering, National Security Studies, and Space Physics. Bedey is a lifelong Bitterrooter, born and raised in Hamilton, where he also served nine years on the local school board. After four terms in the House, term limits prompted his decision to run for the Montana State Senate, representing District 43 in the 2026 primary election. He campaigns as an "unashamed Reagan Republican" dedicated to restoring civility to politics and serving the interests of all Montanans, rather than partisan ideological extremes.

• Stephen Leuchtman — Candidate for State Senator in MT

  Stephen Leuchtman is a Democratic candidate running for the Montana State Senate, representing District 43. He is slated to appear on the Democratic primary ballot on June 2, 2026. Leuchtman believes his political vision for District 43 is more aligned with the average voter's interests compared to his Republican opponent, Kathy Love, whom he criticizes for being unduly influenced. He asserts that conservative values have been a "disaster for rural Montana." While acknowledging the effectiveness of Republican David Bedey, he expresses confidence in his ability to defeat Kathy Love in the general election, should she win the Republican primary.

• Kathy Love — Incumbent Montana House of Representatives - District 85 in Hamilton, MT

  Kathy Love is a Republican currently serving in the Montana House of Representatives for District 85, having assumed office in January 2025. She is campaigning for the Montana State Senate to represent District 43 in the June 2026 Republican primary. Love advocates for fiscal conservatism, emphasizing the need to decrease state spending to achieve genuine tax relief. She has expressed concerns about budget growth and has voted against legislative salary raises. She also voted against funding infrastructure projects with long-term bonds, suggesting the use of state surplus funds instead.