Senate District 16 race breaks out

With just two weeks left for candidates to file, a real donnybrook is shaping up among Democrats in state Senate District 16.

LeAnn Montes, the attorney general for the Chippewa Cree Tribe filed with the Montana Secretary of State’s Office Thursday to appear on June’s primary ballot.

Montes declared her candidacy in a press release after submitting the necessary paperwork.

“I am truly honored to have an opportunity to file as a candidate for the Senate District 16,” she said in a press release

An enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and a resident of Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Montes is vying with two other Democrats, former state legislator Frank Smith of Poplar and Bobbi Jo Faval of Rocky Boy, for the party’s nomination. The winner will then go up against state Rep. Bruce Meyers, R-Box Elder, in November’s general election.

Incumbent Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, is unable to seek re-election to the Senate due to term limits and instead is making a bid for the House District 32 seat now occupied by Meyers.

Montes said she decided to enter the race after receiving support from the political establishment within the strongly Democratic Senate district that stretches from Box Elder eastward to Culbertson. The district includes three reservations, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck and Rocky Boy as well as some neighboring farms and ranches. Windy Boy has thrown his support behind Montes.

“I worked with her when I served on the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council and I strongly stand by my decision that she has what it takes to step into the Senate District 16 seat in the next 2 Legislative sessions,” Windy Boy said in a letter of support.

Montes has family from both Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap reservations. She earned a Business Administration degree from the University of Montana and a law degree from the University of New Mexico, where she also completed the Indian Law Certificate Program.

She began working for the Chippewa Cree government in 2007 as the tribe’s general counsel in 2007 before becoming attorney general in for the tribe 2012. She also is a member of the Montana state sentencing commission.

Running for office has always been something that Montes said she has long desired to do. She said she believes she now possesses the qualifications, education and drive to run.

Despite the crowded primary field and Meyers' ability to win over votes, evidenced in his upset win over state Rep. Clarena Brockie, D-Hays, in 2014, Montes believes she has a strong chance of victory.

“I think it’s going to depend on a lot of footwork and getting my voice out there,” Montes said.