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Buying Time 2024 – Montana

This page features Montana Supreme Court television advertisements from the 2024 election cycle.

Published: April 30, 2024

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

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September 30 – DANGEROUS

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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