FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2023

Conservation Candidates Win Across State in Municipal Races

15 MCV-Endorsed Candidates Win in Municipal Elections

(BOZEMAN, Mont.)  – Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to the municipal elections wins across the state for MCV-endorsed candidates:

“We want to thank all of the candidates who participated in the electoral process and the voters who exercised their democratic rights in support of conservation and their communities. Mayors and city councils wield significant influence over our access to public lands, such as parks and trails. Furthermore, local leaders play a crucial role in shaping energy policies and safeguarding the quality of our air and water. We look forward to collaborating with our elected officials to champion our freedom to access public lands and to foster energy diversity, thereby reducing energy costs for all.”

The cities of Billings, Bozeman, Livingston, Missoula and Whitefish protected or expanded pro-conservation majorities on their municipal councils and commissions.

The following MCV-endorsed candidates won their elections:

Billings City Council

• Ward 1: Kendra Shaw  (Incumbent)

• Ward 3: Bill Kennedy

• Ward 5: Mike Boyett (Incumbent)

Bozeman City Commission

• At Large: Jennifer Madgic (Incumbent)

Great Falls City Council

• At Large: Shannon Wilson

Kalispell City Council

• Ward 3: Ryan Hunter (Incumbent)

Livingston City Commission

• At Large: Melissa Nootz (Incumbent)

Missoula City Council

• Mayor: Andrea Davis

• Ward 1: Eric Melson

• Ward 2: Mirtha Becerra (Incumbent)

• Ward 2: Sierra Farmer (Incumbent)

• Ward 3: Gwen Jones (Incumbent)

• Ward 4: Amber Sherrill (Incumbent)

• Ward 6: Sean McCoy (Possible Recount)

Whitefish City Council

• At Large: Rebecca Norton (Incumbent)

MCV’s political action committee, the MCV Action Fund, continued its long history of being engaged in municipal races, making strategic investments in support of pro-conservation candidates across the state. Over the course of the election, the MCV Action Fund knocked on 6,199 doors, sent over 50,292 mail pieces and made 4,286 phone calls to voters. MCV also communicates regularly with its members in local communities about MCV-endorsed candidates.

MCV endorses candidates who share a commitment to acting on climate, protecting our natural resources  and smart sustainable growth. All MCV endorsements are made by its independent political action committee board with input from local MCV members. MCV is a nonpartisan 501(c)4 organization, which means candidates from all political parties are invited to seek MCV’s endorsement. To learn more about our endorsed candidates and our endorsement process visit mtvoters.org/endorsements.