Hello Montana Democrats! Welcome to our September Democratic Newsletter, which we send to stakeholders once a month to keep you up-to-date on all the important work Montana Democrats are doing.

September has been a busy month for Montana Democrats – as our candidates have really ramped up their campaigns. Yard signs are springing up everywhere; volunteers are knocking doors; candidates are debating their opponents and making their case. We are less than 50 days out. Now is the time to help out your local races!

What’s at Stake for Labor and Workers’ Rights this November

Legislative Elections Could Determine Workers’ Rights in Montana

The state legislative elections this November could have resounding consequences on labor and workers’ rights in Montana, as the Montana GOP has grown increasingly anti-worker and pushed hard during the last legislative session attempting to pass so-called “right-to-work” legislation.

Thanks to a united front between labor activists, unions, Democratic lawmakers, and some moderate Republicans, the 2021 attempt to pass right-to-work legislation failed. In fact, the union-led coalition made history for being the first state with a Republican governor and Republican-controlled state house to defeat right-to-work legislation.

However, the stakes are high going into next year’s legislative session. The MTGOP has cemented their sharp shift to the right. Many moderate Republicans across the state lost their primaries to hardline challengers from the right. At the 2022 GOP Platform Convention, the party made the grim decision to establish a “grading system” that would effectively rank members on obedience to the party and punish Republicans for working towards compromise.

“The Republicans will once again come after workers’ rights next session. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when,” says Sheila Hogan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party. “It is now more important than ever to vote for Democratic candidates who support Montana workers.”

Steve Daines Cosponsors National Abortion Ban

Earlier this month, Montana’s junior senator, Steve Daines, cosponsored Sen. Lindsey Graham’s national abortion ban. In response, Sheila Hogan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, released the following statement:

“Senator Daines is dangerously preoccupied with controlling women’s healthcare and reproductive freedom. He won't stop until he can intrude upon Montanans' most private health care decisions.

Emboldened by the extremist flank of their party, the Montana GOP has completely abandoned the majority of Montanans who believe that the government has no business meddling in your reproductive choices. Montana Democrats are the last defenders of our state constitution and your reproductive rights. And make no mistake, your rights and your state constitution are on the ballot this November.”

DLCC Announces Montana Spotlight Races

The national Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has announced their Spotlight races for the 2022 Election, and five Montana legislative candidates have been selected.

“The slate of Democratic legislative candidates running in Montana this election is incredibly strong,” says Scott McNeil, director of Montana Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. “Montana voters know it; the DLCC knows it. These spotlighted candidates are ready to fight for all Montanans, and they reflect just how critical and competitive Montana’s legislative elections are this year.”

Montana By the Numbers:

100 - Ryan Zinke received a 100% voting grade from the anti-choice group, National Right to Life, while in Congress. Vote to stop the MTGOP from rolling back our right for reproductive freedom.
94 - The share of Montana children that attend public schools? 94%. This November, vote for students and families. Vote to stop the Montana GOP from dismantling and underfunding our public schools.
44 - The average Montana home price increased by 44% over the last two years
8.5 - In comparison, private sector hourly wages increased by only 8.5% over that same time period. Vote for Democratic legislators who will find sustainable, long term solutions to our housing crisis, and not let Governor Gianforte sit on a $1 billion+ surplus.

Thank you for being a part of this fight. November is just around the corner!

The Montana Democratic Party is the party of the people. We welcome to our cause Montanans of every color, creed, and condition. Our history as a party teaches us that by working together and speaking as one, we can move society forward, especially when we raise our voices for those among us with little money, influence, or acceptance.

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PAID FOR BY MONTANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE.