Flathead County District Court Judge Dan Wilson has announced his candidacy for the Montana Supreme Court, targeting the seat currently held by Justice Beth Baker, who will not seek reelection. This position is set to appear on the 2026 ballot. Wilson’s decision to run again follows his recent unsuccessful bid for the same high court position.
Despite legislative efforts to infuse partisan politics into the state’s judicial elections, Wilson intends to maintain a consistent campaign strategy, emphasizing his judicial experience and strict interpretation of the Montana Constitution. His approach is rooted in his belief that the constitution should not be subject to varying interpretations over time. With three decades of legal practice and judicial interpretation, Wilson identifies as a constitutional conservative. Since 2017, he has served as a district court judge in Flathead County, preceded by roles as justice of the peace, deputy county attorney, and chief deputy county attorney.
In the 2024 election cycle, Wilson received significant support from Republican leaders, including endorsements and contributions from figures like Governor Greg Gianforte and House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick. Endorsements also came from organizations such as the Flathead County Republican Central Committee. However, Katherine Bidegaray ultimately won the election with 54% of the votes, backed by groups typically aligned with more liberal perspectives.
Both Wilson and Bidegaray distanced themselves from the partisan labels attributed to them during the previous campaign. Wilson asserts that their roles are not about legislating but interpreting the laws enacted by the Montana Legislature. He committed to avoiding the negative tactics often seen in political races and expressed pride in adhering to that promise in his past campaign.
For the upcoming 2026 race, Wilson remains committed to a clean campaign but acknowledges the potential for increased attention from out-of-state interests and partisan groups, which might sway the dynamics. He pointed to the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election as an example, where spending exceeded $100 million, fueled by issues such as abortion access. Wilson emphasizes that in Montana, abortion is a settled matter following the constitutional amendment CI-128.
While Wilson plans to adopt a conservative approach regarding court precedents, he insists that any judicial review of such precedents must be approached with utmost caution. As the first candidate to declare his intention for the Supreme Court seat, Wilson is set to face a filing deadline anticipated in March 2026.
Your Takeaway
This development in Montana’s judicial landscape underlines the growing influence of partisan dynamics in state court elections. For residents, Wilson’s candidacy and his conservative judicial philosophy might impact how state laws are interpreted and applied, affecting aspects of daily life, from education to healthcare. His stance on maintaining existing court precedents could mean stability in legal interpretations, though changes in the court’s composition might influence future decisions.
As the election approaches, voters may experience an influx of national political interests, potentially influencing local dynamics. This could lead to heightened political discourse and possibly shift public opinion on key issues. Regardless of the outcome, understanding the implications of judicial elections becomes crucial, as these decisions resonate through the community’s legal framework and societal norms.