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A self-described "hardcore political nerd" and high school senior from Havre will mount a bid for the Montana House in the Nov 8, 2016 election.
Jacob Bachmeier, a 17-year-old who attends Havre High School and is now vice chair of the Hill County Democratic Party, announced Thursday morning that he will run for the Hill County-based House District 28 seat held by first-term Rep. Stephanie Hess, R-Havre.
Hill County Republican Chair Andrew Brekke said this morning that Hess will run for re-election, and he anticipates no opposition to her in the June 7 primary.
If he wins, Bachmeier will be one of the youngest members of the Montana Legislature in state history. There are now three other members of the Montana House who are in their early to mid-20s.
Bachmeier said he is running to meet what he described as Havre's need for "strong and effective representation" in Helena.
The news he is making a bid for elected office, even at such a young age, is little surprise to his friends, teachers and others, Bachmeier said. Some even jokingly refer to him as "POTUS," an acronym for President of the United States.
Since he was a child, Bachmeier said he has been enthralled with politics, especially at the state level. His great-grandfather Rex Manuel, had been a representative from Fairfield, and as a child, Bachmeier said his great-grandmother used to regale him with stories of Montana politics and legislative sessions.
It was while working part-time at Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods one day that Bachmeier was first introduced to the local political scene. He recognized former Democratic state Sen. Greg Jergeson as he helped carry groceries to the veteran lawmakers car.
"I instantly recognized him and told him I was a fan," said Bachmeier. The two began discussing politics, "and he just kind of took me under his wing at that point."
Bachmeier then began attending local Democratic Party meetings and volunteering for local candidates. In the process, he became acquainted with both current party figures as well as longtime figures within the party such as former Democratic State Rep. John Musgrove. In April, Bachmeier was elected vice chair of the Hill County Democratic Party.
Though he said he would have one day entered politics anyway, coming under the tutelage of Jergenson and Musgrove accelerated that entry.
Bachmeier said he made the decision to run after getting strong support from his family, friends and local figures within the Democratic party structure. Without the backing of his family, Bachmeier said he would likely have opted out of a campaign.
In May, Bachmeier will be graduate from high school. He plans to attend Montana State University-Northern for at least one semester during which time, the intensity of the campaign will determine how many credits he takes.
Bachmeier said should he win he will take the second semester off, to become acquainted with his new role and attend the four-month long state legislative session that comes every two years in Helena.
Once the Legislature adjourns, he will then take some online courses and other classes. In the long run, Bachmeier hopes to attend the University of Montana in Missoula and major in political sciences.
He also plans to continue working at Gary & Leo's.
The aspiring politico knows that his youth will likely be a topic of discussion in the campaign. However, Bachmeier, who will turn 18 this coming January, said he views his youth as something that works in his favor, and will, spur him to work harder to meet and exceed expectations.
Bachmeier has not begun raising money yet. However, he said several people around town have expressed interest in donating money to his effort. A group of trusted friends have said they will help him do everything from reviewing campaign laws to canvassing and knocking on doors.
Bachmeier pledged that he will not accept dark money, or secret money that comes from unknown donors and SuperPACS. He is also challenging any rivals to sign a C-3 form, pledging they will run a clean campaign that will abstain from personal attacks.
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