State Senator District 8 in Montana State Senate District 8, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Jade-Heather M Ackerman — Doctoral student in MT

  Jade-Heather M. Ackerman, a 42-year-old doctoral student and former therapist, is a Democratic candidate for Montana State Senate District 8 in the 2026 primary election. Born in Wolf Point and raised in Browning, Montana, she holds multiple degrees, including a master's in social work. Ackerman has no prior political office experience. Encouraged by tribal leaders and community members, she aims to advocate for her community and tribal issues in Helena, guided by a philosophy of collective leadership focused on "what’s in it for us!" She faces Tyson Running Wolf in the Democratic primary for a district covering Glacier County and parts of Flathead, Lake, and Pondera counties.

• Christopher Paul Buckles — Healthcare provider in Missoula, MT

  Christopher Paul Buckles, a 53-year-old Republican residing in Missoula, Montana since 1989, is running for the State Senate District 8 primary in 2026. He holds degrees in Healthcare Administration and Sociology. Buckles founded Big Sky Life Support HCBS in 2015, a non-profit healthcare provider experienced with the Medicaid system. His primary campaign focus is chronic homelessness, proposing Medicaid reform to streamline reporting and advocating for supportive living facilities. His policy stances include support for restricting abortion and opposing its taxpayer funding, championing conscience rights, and advocating for parental rights in education and school choice. He also supports maintaining sex-separated spaces and opposes expanding protected class status based on sexual orientation or gender identity. He is endorsed by the Montana Shooting Sports Association.

• Tyson T Running Wolf — Incumbent State Representative in MT

  Tyson T. Running Wolf is a Democratic incumbent serving in the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 16 since 2019. His current term is set to conclude in January 2027. During his legislative service, he has also held the position of Democratic Whip since 2020. Beyond his political career, Running Wolf has professional experience as a Financial Management Officer for the Blackfeet Tribe. He is now campaigning for the Montana State Senate, seeking to represent District 8 in the 2026 Democratic Primary Election.