Montana’s Republican and Democratic caucuses today elected party leaders for the upcoming legislative session, which will begin in Helena on Jan. 6, 2025. 

Kalispell Republican Matt Regier, who currently serves as speaker of the state House, will serve as the next president of the Senate. 

“It’s an honor to serve as the next President of the Senate,” Regier said in a press release on Tuesday afternoon. “I look forward to working with senators on passing a conservative balanced budget, giving Montanans tax relief, and preserving the Montana way of life for future generations.” 

Republicans will hold 59 of 100 state House seats and 32 of 50 state Senate seats during the 2025 session, leaving them with a smaller, but still powerful, majority when compared to 2023.

Sen. Ken Bogner, R-Miles City, will serve as Senate president pro tempore, similar to “vice president” of the Senate. Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, will serve as Senate majority leader. 

Sens. Dennis Lenz, R-Billings; Daniel Zolnikov, R-Roundup; and Barry Usher, R-Billings; as well as Sen-elect Sue Vinton, R-Lockwood will serve as majority whips. Whips are typically responsible for rounding up lawmakers to cast votes critical to the party’s agenda. 

In the House, Rep. Brandon Ler, R-Savage, will be House speaker. Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, will be House speaker pro tempore. Former Senate Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, will be House majority leader. 

Reps. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell; Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls; Jed Hinkle, R-Belgrade; and Marta Bertoglio, R-Montana City will serve as majority whips. 

For the Democrats, Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, will once again serve as Senate minority leader. 

Sens. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula; Laura Smith, D-Helena; and Susan Webber, D-Browning will be Senate minority whips. 

In the House, Rep. Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, will be minority leader. 

“I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me as House Minority Leader,” Sullivan said in a press release. “Montana’s House Democrats will bring a package of legislation to protect freedom, promote fairness, and advance affordability for Montanans, and I am looking forward to leading our Caucus as we work to get Montana back on track.”

Reps. SJ Howell, D-Missoula; Tyson Running Wolf, D-Browning; Melissa Romano, D-Helena; and Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula will be minority whips. 

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BOZEMAN — The Montana State men rolled past Northwest Indian College in their home opener 93-35. The three-consecutive Big Sky tournament champions also unveiled their new banner with an updated “2024” program title on Monday night at the game.

Junior guard Bryce Zephir, who transferred to the Bobcats this season from Salt Lake CC, led all scorers with 16 points. Junior forward Brandon Walker followed with 13 points.

Utah State transfer Max Agbonkpolo grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. The win brought Montana State to 1-2 early in the season. The Bobcats face Denver University on the road on Sunday.

For full highlights, click the video reel above.

HELENA — The holiday season is right around the corner and the Red Cross is preparing a gift this year for active duty members.

“Operation Holiday Cheer” is a way for the public, and the Red Cross, to help thank active duty members by gathering care items for troops deployed overseas.

They’re asking the public to drop off requested items to their locations where Red Crossers will then assemble and ship the care packages to those serving in Camp Buehring in Kuwait.

“One of our biggest accomplishments is hoping to get that comfort and care item to our service members that are deployed. So for me personally, I have a spouse that’s been deployed a couple of times, just making sure that they know that people at home care about them and are thinking about them,” said American Red Cross of Montana Service to the Armed Forces Director Sara Cease.

They’ll have drop-off stations at any of its blood donation centers across the state. The deadline to drop off requested itemsis now on November 15.

“Primarily items that they don’t necessarily get through other channels,” said Cease, “So some comfort items to bring a little touch of home. Amazing how much just a much of a tube of chapstick means to someone when they’re deployed. So making sure they have some comfort items, some refreshments and some fun items during the holidays.”