Hess takes position on Stapleton's staff

Outgoing state Rep. Stephanie Hess, R-Havre, is set to move to Helena later this month, after accepting a senior position on the staff of Montana Secretary of State-elect Corey Stapleton.

Hess, who was defeated in her bid for a second term representing House District 28 in the Montana House of Representatives by Democrat Jacob Bachmeier, said Thursday that she has accepted the position.

“It was an opportunity to continue serving this state, and it seemed like a good one,” Hess said.

Stapleton, a Republican and former Montana Senate minority leader, defeated Montana State Auditor and Democrat Monica Lindeen in the race for secretary of state last month.  

Hess would not specify what her position on Stapleton's staff will be. Hess, who is also a member of Stapleton’s transition team, said Stapleton is planning to hold a press conference later this month announcing who will fill specific senior staff positions.

Hess worked as a legislative aide for then-Montana state Senate Minority Leader Stapleton in the 2007 legislative session. That same year, she also worked in the Secretary of State’s Office where she oversaw military ballots.

She has worked as a computer technician at Bear Paw Technologies since 2015.

Hess said she will miss Havre, where she has lived since 2009, and said she has made deep connections.

“I love this community, it’s fun living in a small community,” she said.