# 2020 Montana Senate election

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vte :
An election was held on November 3, 2020 to elect 25 members to Montana's Senate. The election coincided with elections for other offices, including the presidency, U.S Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governorship, and state house. The primary election was held on June 2, 2020

## Predictions

| Source | Ranking | As of |
| The Cook Political Report | Safe R | October 21, 2020 |

## Results summary

Summary of the November 3, 2020 Montana Senate election results
Seats :
| Party | Party | No. | % | No. | +/− | % |
| | Republican | 184,066 | 64.24 | 31 | +1 | 62.00 |
| | Democratic | 97,474 | 34.02 | 19 | -1 | 38.00 |
| | Libertarian | 3,722 | 1.30 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| | Write-in | 1,261 | 0.44 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total | Total | 286,523 | 100.00 | 50 | ±0 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters | Registered voters | 752,538 | 100.00 | | | |
| Turnout | Turnout | 286,523 | 38.07 | | | |
| Source: Montana Elections Results, Montana Secretary of State |||||||
Popular vote
Republican
64.24%
Democratic
34.02%
Libertarian
1.30% :
Senate seats
Republican
62.00%
Democratic
38.00% :

### Close races

Districts where the margin of victory was under 10%:
* District 38, 0.44%
* District 39, 1.64%
* District 25, 3.27%
* District 26, 5.1% gain
* District 47, 9.28%

### Incumbents defeated in the primary election

* Tom Richmond (R-District 28), defeated by Brad Molnar (R)

### Incumbents defeated in the general election

* Margaret MacDonald (D-District 26), defeated by Chris Friedel (R)

## Summary of results by State Senate district

| State Senate district | Incumbent | Party | Elected Senator | Party |
| Montana 2 | Dee Brown | Rep | Carl Glimm | Rep |
| Montana 3 | Keith Regier | Rep | Keith Regier | Rep |
| Montana 6 | Albert Olszewski | Rep | Greg Hertz | Rep |
| Montana 7 | Jennifer Fielder | Rep | Bob Brown | Rep |
| Montana 10 | Steve Fitzpatrick | Rep | Steve Fitzpatrick | Rep |
| Montana 15 | Ryan Osmundson | Rep | Ryan Osmundson | Rep |
| Montana 16 | Frank Smith | Dem | Mike Fox | Dem |
| Montana 17 | Mike Lang | Rep | Mike Lang | Rep |
| Montana 18 | Steve Hinebauch | Rep | Steve Hinebauch | Rep |
| Montana 21 | Jason Small | Rep | Jason Small | Rep |
| Montana 23 | Roger Webb | Rep | Tom McGillvray | Rep |
| Montana 25 | Jen Gross | Dem | Jen Gross | Dem |
| Montana 26 | Margaret MacDonald | Dem | Chris Friedel | Rep |
| Montana 28 | Tom Richmond* | Rep | Brad Molnar | Rep |
| Montana 31 | Mike Phillips | Dem | Christopher Pope | Dem |
| Montana 35 | Scott Sales | Rep | Walt Sales | Rep |
| Montana 36 | Jeffrey Welborn | Rep | Jeffrey Welborn | Rep |
| Montana 37 | Jon Sesso | Dem | Ryan Lynch | Dem |
| Montana 38 | Edith McClafferty | Dem | Edith McClafferty | Dem |
| Montana 39 | Gene Vuckovich | Dem | Mark Sweeney | Dem |
| Montana 40 | Terry Gauthier | Rep | Terry Gauthier | Rep |
| Montana 44 | Fred Thomas | Rep | Theresa Manzella | Rep |
| Montana 45 | Dick Barrett | Dem | Ellie Boldman | Dem |
| Montana 46 | Sue Malek | Dem | Shannon O'Brien | Dem |
| Montana 47 | Dan Salomon | Rep | Daniel Salomon | Rep |

## Detailed results
### Districts 2–25
#### District 2

Incumbent Republican Dee Brown had represented the 2nd district since 2013. Brown was term-limited and could not seek re-election. State Representative Carl Glimm won the open seat.
Montana Senate 2nd district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Carl Glimm | 8,760 | 68.30% |
| | Democratic | Kyle Waterman | 4,066 | 31.70% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,826 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 3

Incumbent Republican Keith Regier had represented the 3rd district since 2017.
Montana Senate 3rd district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Keith Regier (incumbent) | 8,334 | 55.85% |
| | Democratic | Guthrie Quist | 6,588 | 44.15% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,922 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 6

Incumbent Republican Albert Olszewski had represented the 6th district since 2017. Olszewski unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for Governor. Term-limited state representative and state House Speaker Greg Hertz won the open seat.
Montana Senate 6th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Greg Hertz | 10,305 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,305 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 7

Incumbent Republican Jennifer Fielder had represented the 7th district since 2013. Fielder was term-limited and ran successfully for a seat on the Montana Public Service Commission.
Montana Senate 7th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Bob Brown | 9,560 | 75.00% |
| | Democratic | Diane L. Magone | 3,187 | 25.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,747 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 10

Incumbent Steve Fitzpatrick had represented the 10th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 10th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Steve Fitzpatrick (incumbent) | 10,018 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,018 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 15

Incumbent Republican Ryan Osmundson had represented the 15th district since 2017.
Montana Senate district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Ryan Osmundson (incumbent) | 9,511 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,511 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 16

Incumbent Democrat Frank Smith had represented the 16th district since 2017. Smith chose not to seek re-election, and instead successfully ran for a seat in the Montana House.
Montana Senate 16th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mike Fox | 5,718 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,718 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 17

Incumbent Republican Mike Lang had represented the 17th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 17th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Mike Lang (incumbent) | 9,385 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,385 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 18

Incumbent Republican Steve Hinebauch had represented the 18th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 18th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Steve Hinebauch (incumbent) | 8,618 | 78.37% |
| | Democratic | Pat Mischel | 2,378 | 21.63% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,996 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 21

Incumbent Republican Jason Small had represented the 21st district since 2017.
Montana Senate 21st district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jason Small (incumbent) | 4,023 | 57.80% |
| | Democratic | Rae Peppers | 2,937 | 42.20% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,960 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 23

Incumbent Republican Roger Webb had represented the 23rd district since 2013. Webb was term-limited and could not seek re-election. Former state representative Tom McGillvray won the open seat.
Montana Senate 23rd district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Tom McGillvray | 9,893 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,893 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 25

Incumbent Democrat Jen Gross had represented the 25th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 25th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jen Gross (incumbent) | 4,146 | 51.45% |
| | Republican | Scott Price | 3,912 | 48.55% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,058 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### Districts 26–47
#### District 26

Incumbent Democrat Margaret MacDonald had represented the 26th district since 2017. She ran for re-election to a 2nd term, but was defeated by Republican Chris Friedel.
Montana Senate 26th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Chris Friedel | 4,823 | 52.55% |
| | Democratic | Margaret MacDonald (incumbent) | 4,355 | 47.45% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,178 | 100% |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

#### District 28

Incumbent Republican Tom Richmond had represented the 28th district since 2017. Former Public Service Commissioner and state representative Brad Molnar defeated Richmond in the Republican primary.
Montana Senate 28th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Brad Molnar | 8,659 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,659 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 31

Incumbent Democrat Mike Phillips had represented the 31st district since 2013. Phillips was term-limited and could not seek re-election. State Representative Christopher Pope won the open seat.
Montana Senate 31st district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Christopher Pope | 11,018 | 66.32% |
| | Republican | Nicolas Allevato | 5,596 | 33.68% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 16,614 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 35

Incumbent Republican Scott Sales had represented the 35th district and its predecessors since 2013. Sales was term-limited and could not seek re-election, he instead ran Secretary of State.
Montana Senate 35th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Walt Sales | 12,191 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,191 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 36

Incumbent Republican Jeffrey Welborn had represented the 36th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 36th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jeffrey Welborn (incumbent) | 10,526 | 79.55% |
| | Libertarian | John Lamb | 2,706 | 20.45% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,232 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 37

Incumbent Democrat Minority Leader Jon Sesso had represented the 37th district since 2013. Sesso was term-limited and could not seek re-election.
Montana Senate 37th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Ryan Lynch | 6,141 | 64.79% |
| | Republican | Aaron Meaders | 3,337 | 35.21% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,478 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 38

Incumbent Democrat Edith McClafferty had represented the 38th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 38th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edith McClafferty (incumbent) | 6,643 | 50.22% |
| | Republican | Jim Butterbaugh | 6,586 | 49.78% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,229 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 39

Incumbent Democrat Gene Vuckovich had represented the 39th district since 2011. Vuckovich was term-limited and could not seek re-election.
Montana Senate 39th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mark Sweeney | 4,450 | 44.42% |
| | Republican | Suzzann Nordwick | 4,306 | 42.99% |
| | Independent | Gordon Pierson (write-in) | 1,261 | 12.59% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,017 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 40

Incumbent Republican Terry Gauthier had represented the 40th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 40th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Terry Gauthier (incumbent) | 8,504 | 60.47% |
| | Democratic | Catherine Scott | 5,560 | 39.53% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,064 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 44

Incumbent Republican Majority Leader Fred Thomas had represented the 44th district since 2013. Thomas was term-limited and could not seek re-election. Representative Theresa Manzella won the open seat.
Montana Senate 44th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Theresa Manzella | 9,485 | 67.22% |
| | Democratic | Margaret Gorski | 4,626 | 32.78% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,111 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 45

Incumbent Democrat Dick Barrett had represented the 45th district and its predecessors since 2013. Barrett was term-limited and could not seek re-election.
Montana Senate 45th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Ellie Boldman | 7,045 | 61.13% |
| | Republican | Susan Campbell Reneau | 4,045 | 35.10% |
| | Libertarian | Nolen W. Skime | 435 | 3.77% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,525 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 46

Incumbent Democrat Sue Malek had represented the 46th district since 2013. Malek was term-limited and could not seek re-election.
Montana Senate 46th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Shannon O'Brien | 8,362 | 66.06% |
| | Republican | Niki Sardot | 4,296 | 33.94% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,658 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 47

Incumbent Republican Dan Salomon had represented the 47th district since 2017.
Montana Senate 47th district general election, 2020 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dan Salomon (incumbent) | 5,983 | 52.11% |
| | Democratic | Chase Porter Gray | 4,918 | 42.83% |
| | Libertarian | Devin Braaten | 581 | 5.06% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,482 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |