On June 4, 2024, Montana held a primary election for two seats on the Montana Supreme Court. The candidates competed to fill the seats previously held by Justice Dirk M. Sandefur and Justice Mike McGrath, whose terms will expire on December 31, 2024. Former federal magistrate judge Jerry Lynch and attorney Cory Swanson defeated attorney Doug Marshall in the primary for the chief justice position, while state district court judges Katherine Bidegaray and Dan Wilson defeated former Republican state legislator Jerry O’Neill in the primary for an associate justice position. The resulting two candidates in each race will advance to the November election.
Estimated Total TV Spending: $83,500
Candidates:
- Estimated spending by Dan Wilson: $62,580
- Estimated spending by Cory Swanson: $7,030
- Estimated spending by Montanans for Fair and Impartial Courts: $6,780
- Estimated spending by Montanans for Liberty and Justice: $6,310
- Estimated spending by Montana Constitutional Rights and Liberties Coalition: $800
Advertisements
September 30 – DANGEROUS
Stream Video (QT) | Download Video
In this ad, a voiceover says: “When you look at his [Justice Dan Wilson’s] record, he sided with corporate wrongdoers, violent abusers, and child predators again and again.”
Sponsor: Montana Constitutional Rights and Liberties Coalition
Estimated Spending: $800
September 25 – RULE OF LAW
Stream Video (QT) | Download Video
In this ad, a voiceover says: “A judicial conservative running for supreme court to uphold the rule of law and keep politics out of the courtroom.”
Sponsor: Cory Swanson
Estimated Spending: $7,030
September 25 – FRONT AND CENTER
Stream Video (QT) | Download Video
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judge Bidegaray will stand up to wealthy developers, protecting our right to hunt, fish, and spend time outdoors.”
Sponsor: Montanans for Liberty and Justice
Estimated Spending: $6,310
September 25 – STREAM ACCESS
Stream Video (QT) | Download Video
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judge Jerry Lynch can be trusted to uphold all our Montana Constitutional rights, including access to streams and our public lands.”
Sponsor: Montanans for Fair and Impartial Courts
Estimated Spending: $6,780
September 24 – DEFEND CONSTITUTION
Stream Video (QT) | Download Video
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Wilson is a judicial conservative who will follow the law and not legislate from the bench.”
Sponsor: Dan Wilson
Estimated Spending: $62,580
