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HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says that nearly 150 candidates filed with the Secretary of State’s Office on the opening day of the 2026 candidate filing period. About 40 candidates appeared in person to file at the Montana State Capitol.
“Tuesday was an incredible opening day for the 2026 candidate filing period,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “It was great to visit with so many of the candidates, and an honor to assist them with this step as they sign up to serve their community and state. I wish the best of luck to all of the candidates running for office this year.”
U.S. Senator Steve Daines was the first candidate to file on Tuesday, officially launching his campaign for re‑election. Helena’s Tia Nelson was the first to file in person at the Montana Secretary of State’s Office, choosing to run for House District 84.
As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, seven candidates had completed the paperwork to represent Montana in Washington, D.C. – three for Montana’s 1st Congressional seat and two each for the 2nd Congressional race and the open U.S. Senate seat. Nearly 130 candidates had filed for the Montana Legislature, where 25 state senate seats and all 100 state house seats will be on the ballot in 2026.
Three candidates filed for the Public Service Commission, and nine filed for District Court Judge seats.
The latest results for candidates filing with the Secretary of State’s Office can be found on the 2026 candidate filing website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/filing/. Local candidates file with their county election office.
Candidate filing closes at 5 p.m. on March 4, 2026.
