State Senator District 49 in Montana State Senate District 49, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Willis Curdy — Incumbent State Senator in Missoula, MT

  Willis Curdy, a Democratic State Senator for Montana's District 49, is seeking re-election in the June 2026 primary. Born in Corvallis and living in Missoula, Curdy's background includes work as an educator, pilot with the U.S. Forest Service, and businessman. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Montana. Before his current Senate term, which began in 2023, he served multiple terms in the Montana House of Representatives (2015-2023). Curdy is noted for his public health advocacy, earning a National Distinguished Advocacy Award for championing tobacco control. He serves on key committees such as Agriculture, Business, Labor and Economic Affairs, and Natural Resources.

• Brad Tschida — Candidate for State Senator in Missoula, MT

  Brad Tschida, a Republican, served four terms in the Montana House of Representatives for District 97 from 2015 to 2023, including a period as House Majority Leader (2019-2021). Born in Minneapolis and a University of Montana alumnus, Tschida is now campaigning for the Montana State Senate in District 49 for the 2026 Republican primary. His platform centers on smaller government, fiscal responsibility, Second Amendment rights, public land access, and the sanctity of human life, exemplified by his opposition to physician-assisted suicide. He announced his Senate bid to continue these values, highlighting his consistent record and accessibility. Tschida resides in Missoula, Montana.