State Senator District 9 in Montana State Senate District 9, Montana

2026 Primary Election

• Noy Holland — Fiction writer and farmer in Choteau, MT

  Noy Holland is seeking election to the Montana State Senate representing District 9 in the 2026 Democratic primary. A fiction writer and former university professor, Holland currently lives in Choteau, where she raises chickens and grows food. Holland has expressed support for the Montana Supreme Court’s ruling in Held v. Montana, which affirmed the state judge's decision in a climate change case brought by young plaintiffs, calling it a step toward a livable future. For numerous other policy questions, Holland declined to provide specific responses.

• Llew Jones — Incumbent State Senator in Conrad, MT

  Llew Jones, born December 2, 1962, in Helena, worked on a family sheep ranch near Conrad from age seven. He holds an MS in Economics from Montana State University. A Republican, Jones has served four terms in the Montana Senate and seven in the House of Representatives, chairing the House Appropriations Committee in 2025. Facing House term limits in 2026, he is running for State Senator for District 10 in the primary election. Known as a powerful legislator, Jones often works across party lines, occasionally putting him at odds with the right-wing of his own party. He believes in hard work and sacrifice, embodying the motto "Success = effort ÷ time." He resides in Conrad, Montana, with his wife, Carole.

• Zack Wirth — Incumbent State Representative in Wolf Creek, MT

  Zack Wirth is an incumbent State Representative in Montana, currently serving House District 17 until January 2027. He is a candidate for Montana State Senate, District 9, in the 2026 Primary Election. As a Republican, he is known for his pro-life stance and commitment to conservative values, protecting families, and supporting rural communities. His policy focus includes strengthening small towns and local businesses, protecting agriculture, and simplifying the tax code while lowering the burden on working Montanans and ensuring fiscal responsibility.