After a nationwide search, the University of Montana has hired Jeffrey Michael to serve as the next director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the university announced Thursday.

Part of the College of Business at UM, the Bureau of Business and Economic Research produces numerous reports and data on the Montana economy on topics such as manufacturing and housing affordability. It also presents annual economic outlook seminars around the state.

Michael, who previously worked at the University of the Pacific in California, has already started work at the BBER.

Longtime Director Patrick Barkey will stay on as research director until June 2025 when he plans to retire, UM said in a news release.

“We are truly fortunate to be bringing on a new leader with the experience and skills of Jeff Michael to the state of Montana,” Barkey said in a statement. “He will hit the ground running in putting his own stamp on everything that we do.”

Michael served as director of public policy at the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law since 2021, UM said. He previously worked as executive director of the university’s Center for Business and Policy Research and director of the Business Forecasting Center in the Eberhardt School of Business for 13 years.

“BBER has a tremendous legacy of helping business, government and the public understand the economy of Montana,” Michael said in a statement. “I am excited to contribute to BBER’s mission and engage with Montana business and civic leaders on critical and emerging economic issues.”

As BBER director, Michael will lead the team of 20 research professionals at a nationally recognized research center that continues to produce economic and industry data for all geographic areas of Montana as well as present economic forecasts throughout the state.

New polling shows Republicans are likely to take control of the Senate in the upcoming election, with the GOP challenger leading against a Democrat incumbent in Montana.

Republican challenger Tim Sheehy leads the incumbent Democrat, Sen. Jon Tester, in a 52% to 44% matchup, according to a New York Times/Sienna poll released Thursday. Democrats currently hold a 51-seat majority in the Senate, and Sen. Joe Manchin’s, I-W.V., decision to retire virtually guarantees a seat flipping toward the GOP.

While there are competitive races elsewhere in the Senate, Republicans appear to be holding strong, according to Marist polling. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is leading his race with 51% support, compared to the 46% of his challenger, Collin Allred.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., faces a closer race in Florida, where he holds a slim 50%-48% lead over challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

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That story is reversed in Ohio, however, where Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown holds a 50%-48% lead over Republican challenger Bernie Moreno.

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The Cook Political Report also shifted the Wisconsin Senate race from “lean Democrat” to “toss-up” this week.

Sen. Joe Manchin’s retirement presents a major opportunity for Republicans to take the Senate.

The handicapper cited changes in polling in recent days, with Republican challenger Eric Hovde appearing to close the gap with Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

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The latest Marquette Law School poll showed Baldwin winning the battle, 51% to Hovde’s 45%. The survey interviewed 882 registered voters over Sept. 18-26. The poll’s margin of error was +/-4.4 percentage points.

Republican challenger Eric Hovde and Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin are locked in a close race for Senate in Wisconsin. (Reuters)

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The most recent Fox News Power Rankings from last month had Wisconsin at “Leans Dem.”

Fox News’ Julia Johnson contributed to this report

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