The terms of two Montana Supreme Court justices, Ingrid Gustafson and James Rice, are ending on December 31, 2022. The candidates competed in a nonpartisan primary election on June 7, 2022. James Rice and Bill D’Alton competed in the primary for Rice’s seat. Ingrid Gustafson, James Brown, and Mike McMahon competed in the primary for Gustafson’s seat. The two candidates who received the highest number of votes in each primary (James Rice, Bill D’Alton, Ingrid Gustafson, and James Brown) will advance to the general election, which will be held on November 8, 2022.
Kantar Media/CMAG: Estimated Total TV Spending: $63,490*
- Estimated spending by James Brown: $41,430
- Estimated spending by Ingrid Gustafson: $10,550
- Estimated spending by Montana Business PAC: $10,460
- Estimated spending by Republican State Leadership Committee – JFI Montana PAC: $1,050
*Spending figures last updated June 7, 2022.
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June 6 – MT RSLCJFIMT Conservative Choice 15
In this ad, a voiceover says, “James Brown, endorsed by Senator Daines, Governor Gianforte, and Attorney General Knudsen, 'cause they know James Brown is a true constitutional conservative.”
Sponsor: Republican State Leadership Committee – JFI Montana PAC
Estimated Spending: $1,050
June 6 – MT Brown Uphold the Constitution 15
In this ad, a voiceover says, “He’ll uphold the constitution, stand for law and order, and fight to protect our Montana way of life.”
Sponsor: James Brown
Estimated Spending: $1,190
May 9 – MT Brown Fourth Generation
In this ad, James Brown says, “as your next justice, I will follow the law, defend the Constitution, and protect the Montana way of life.”
Sponsor: James Brown
Estimated Spending: $18,340
May 12 – MT Gustafson Soccer
In this ad, Ingrid Gustafson says, “just as there’s no room for politics on the pitch, there’s no room for politics in the courtroom. I have nearly 20 years of experience serving Montanans as a judge. Now I’m asking for your vote to re-elect me.”
Sponsor: Ingrid Gustafson
Estimated Spending: $8,230
May 12 – MT MTBP Lawyer 15
In this ad, a voiceover says, “on the Supreme Court, Brown will preserve the rule of law, uphold the Constitution, and protect our way of life.”
Sponsor: Montana Business PAC
Estimated Spending: $5,250
May 12 – MT MTBP Fourth Generation 15
This ad says, “Fourth generation Montanan, small businessman, James Brown will enforce the law and follow the Constitution.”
Sponsor: Montana Business PAC
Estimated Spending: $5,210
May 18 – MT Gustafson Appears to Be
This ad says, “Ingrid truly cares about the people in the judicial system. On the Supreme Court you want someone like Ingrid, who has now been five years on the Montana Supreme Court and believes deeply in our Montana Constitution.”
Sponsor: Ingrid Gustafson
Estimated Spending: $2,320