Four face off in Montana Senate District 16 Democratic primary: Michael Fox

In the race for Montana Senate District 16 that runs from Chouteau to Roosevelt counties and includes parts of Rocky Boy's, Fort Belknap and Fort Peck Indian reservations, Michael D. Fox of Hays faces Kristopher FourStar of Wolf Point, Rep. Bridget Smith, who cannot run for re-election to the House due to term limits, and Jestin Dupree of Poplar in the Democratic primary.

FourStar did not respond to requests for an interview.

No candidates from other parties have filed in the race and the winner of the primary is likely to be unopposed in the general election.

Fox said he wants to bring better representation for his area to the state government.

"(I am running for this office) because Fort Belknap has been under-represented in the state Legislature for a number of years now," Fox said.

Also, he said, his running hopefully generates some interest in the younger generation for more people to become involved in state politics.

He said that his overall experience in dealing with state and national issues as well his military and law enforcement background make him the best candidate.

He said he also has testified on issues like buffalo and wildlife in Senate and House committees on the state and national level.

He said he also is interested in economic development, including helping create and sit on the original board of Island Mountain Development for the Fort Belkap Indian Community, and he also has worked on projects such as dealing with wildlife issues on both the Fort Peck and Rocky Boy's Indian reservations.

Being raised on a ranch himself, he also understands the importance of agriculture in the region, he said.

As for COVID-19, he said, he thinks the state has handled the COVID-19 pandemic extremely well, adding that what he would do differently is a slower approach on things being re-opened.

"Overall, I think they've done a very good job," Fox said.

The state is likely to see lower revenues when session convenes and, he said, he would expect that going into the next legislative session.

"We're going to have to tighten our belts, get through it, and people have put up with a lot of sacrifices these past few months, and I think a lot of them realize the tough situation that lies ahead of us," he said "I think we'll adjust accordingly. 

"It's a different type of campaign or non-campaign for that matter I guess, so we'll just see what kind of happens in the next three weeks or so," he added.

--

Born and raised on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation

Graduated 1977, Harlem High School

Entered U.S. Coast guard in 1977, then entered ROTC at Eastern Montana College in Billings, commissioned as second lieutenant

Served 21 years in Montana National Guard, retired as captain

Worked as Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Director; Technical Services Director for the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, Denver; Technical Services Director, Inter-Tribal Bison Cooperative, Rapid City, S.D .; tribal game warden and police officer

Served on Fort Belknap Tribal Council, 2009-13; re-elected to the council November 2019