Montana lawmakers face ballot uncertainty following term limit ruling

Montana House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick announced plans to file a lawsuit to remain on the ballot following a decision by Attorney General Austin Knudsen regarding term limit calculations. The ruling changes the interpretation of state law, which limits lawmakers to eight years in a single chamber within a 16-year period. While previous attorneys general allowed lawmakers to move between chambers without interruption, Knudsen’s decision requires candidates to wait a full election cycle if they exceed these limits.

The decision could result in the Secretary of State’s Office removing at least two primary winners from the general election ballot. Governor Greg Gianforte noted that the conflict will likely be resolved in court, while Fitzpatrick described the ruling as an “affront to democracy.” The legal dispute highlights internal divisions within the Montana Republican Party between different factions.