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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For those renting here in Montana, the price can be a little steep. While some areas are cheaper than others, for those looking to live in Montana’s more popular areas, you can plan on paying a little or sometimes, a lot more.

As a resident of Bozeman, my wife and I pay double the price we paid for our last place.

The last place had more square footage, a double-car garage, and an extra bathroom. Granted, the prices have come down a little over the last year or so, however, compared to other areas, renting in Montana can be very expensive.

Why is rent so high in Montana?

Most of it is supply and demand.  In more popular areas like Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula, folks have been flocking to those areas which means that landlords and property managers have been able to take advantage.

While I’m all for capitalism, I question those organizations that charge an “application fee” when they only have one or two units and allow 50 people to apply. That seems super shady to me.

Another factor is that home prices are so high that those who can’t afford to purchase a home are left with renting, so….you can add a couple hundred dollars a month and people have to pay it.

Will rent prices go down in Montana?

We shall see. While places like Bozeman continue to build lots of apartments and townhomes, one would think that would bring down the prices of rent, and it has to some extent. Now that renters have more options, they can be a little more picky on what they want to pay.

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.