Montana’s chief executive, tasked with overseeing state agencies and proposing state budgets to the Montana Legislature, elected to a four-year term. Also one of five seats on the Montana Board of Land Commissioners, which has authority over state trust lands. Incumbent Gov. Steve Bullock is facing term limits and running for the U.S. Senate.
Governor
Candidates
Key coverage in the race for Governor
Race profile: The statesman and the mogul
You’d be hard-pressed to identify prominent Montanans with more different resumes than the two major party candidates hoping to be elected Montana’s next governor this fall, succeeding term-limited Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock.
Montana Lowdown: Mike Cooney
Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney interviewed by MTFP Editor-In-Chief John Adams before the June 2020 primary
Montana Lowdown: Greg Gianforte
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte interviewed by MTFP Editor-In-Chief John Adams before the June 2020 primary
Shared State: Ep. 6 — Desiring to improve the quality of life
What Montanans have to say about their search for opportunity — and how the platforms espoused by the candidates for governor fit into it
Shared State: Ep. 5 — The grandeur of our mountains and the vastness of our rolling plains
What do candidates mean when they say they’re “for access,” and does that political rhetoric match up with the issues Montanans are actually facing?
Shared State: Ep. 3 — Grateful to God
In Montana’s 2020 race for governor, the candidates’ views on the intersection of religion and policy could have implications for some hot-button legislation.
Campaign finance
As reported in quarterly filings. Data current through 11/02/2020.
$14,770,814
Total raised in race
$13,826,872
Total spent
| Candidate | Total raised | Itemized individual contributions | Committee contributions | Self-financing | Unitemized contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Gianforte (R) | $11,239,294 | $3,315,677 | $116,909 | $7,550,000 | $256,708 |
| Mike Cooney (D) | $3,504,023 | $3,130,149 | $53,000 | $0 | $320,874 |
| Lyman Bishop (L) | $27,497 | $2,125 | $0 | $20,100 | $5,272 |
Note: Self-financing includes candidate contributions and campaign loans. Prior to Jan. 17, 2019, these figures underreported fundraising for state candidates by omitting unitemized contributions. Unitemized contribution totals, which include small-dollar donations, are calculated here by subtracting itemized cash contributions from reported fundraising totals.
Source: Campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices. See the COPP-administered Campaign Electronic Reporting System for official records.
Primary results
Vote totals from Montana's June 2, 2020 primary election.
GOP Governor primary
| Candidate | Votes counted | % of vote | Votes behind |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREG GIANFORTE AND KRISTEN JURAS | 119,249 | 53.4% | 0 |
| TIM FOX AND JON KNOKEY | 60,821 | 27.3% | 58,428 |
| AL "DOC" OLSZEWSKI AND KEN BOGNER | 43,064 | 19.3% | 76,185 |
Dem. Governor primary
| Candidate | Votes counted | % of vote | Votes behind |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIKE COONEY AND CASEY SCHREINER | 81,524 | 54.9% | 0 |
| WHITNEY WILLIAMS AND BUZZ MATTELIN | 67,065 | 45.1% | 14,459 |
Media coverage
Stories tracked in our database of 2020 election coverage.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Top Democrats campaign in Bozeman ahead of election
11/01/2020
KBZK
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte visits Montana This Morning
10/30/2020
The Washington Post
The strange tale of a Chris Christie video, the Montana governor’s race and a cured meat product
10/29/2020
Daily Inter Lake
Trump Jr. coming to Kalispell Saturday for rally
10/29/2020
KBZK
Mike Cooney visits Montana This Morning
10/29/2020
MTN News
MT gov race: Where’s the record-setting money coming from?
10/29/2020
NBC Montana
NBC Montana/Strategies 360 poll shows extremely tight Montana races
10/22/2020
MTN News
Gov campaigns hit with campaign-finance violations
10/21/2020
MTN News
Greg Gianforte: Montana success story wasn’t his first startup
10/21/2020
Lee Newspapers
Gianforte loans campaign another $4 million
10/20/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Montana’s political cop finds Cooney violated campaign finance rules
10/19/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Former UN Ambassador Haley crisscrosses Montana for Republican candidates for Senate, governor
10/19/2020
MTN News
Cooney demands Gianforte get tested for Covid-19, after he attended concert
10/16/2020
KULR
Lt. Governor Mike Cooney holds crime and public safety roundtable in Billings
10/10/2020
KULR
Montana Gubernatorial Debate Recap
10/07/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Governor hopefuls differ on plans for economic recovery
10/04/2020
KTVH
Gov debate: Cooney, Gianforte mix it up over … bipartisanship?
10/03/2020
Laurel Outlook
Campaign for Governor highlights different visions for Montana’s future
10/01/2020
KTVH
Gov race: Cooney, Gianforte lay out education priorities
09/30/2020
KPAX
Gov race: How will Cooney, Gianforte drive the MT economy?
09/29/2020
Montana Public Radio
Daines, Bullock Trade Barbs Over Coronavirus Response, Supreme Court In Second Debate
09/29/2020
Missoulian
Daines, Bullock spar in Senate debate
09/28/2020
NBC Montana
Cooney tours Bozeman Brewing Company
09/25/2020
Associated Press
Republican duo reshapes Montana politics in Trump’s style
09/25/2020
Sidney Herald
Kristen Juras visits Sidney, Glendive, Herald newspaper
09/23/2020
Sidney Herald
Lt. Gov. Cooney visits Sidney for a talk in the park
09/23/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Montana governor, AG candidates speak at tavern association forum
09/22/2020
Montana Public Radio
Cooney Outraises Gianforte In Latest Campaign Finance Reporting Period
09/21/2020
MTN News
Recording: Gianforte running mate says he ‘wouldn’t veto’ right-to-work
09/18/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Democrats unveil proposals to aid workers, unions
09/16/2020
KPAX
Dem gov candidate Cooney reports $670K fundraising in past month
09/16/2020
Shelby Promoter
Gianforte discusses area economy and Toole County Forward effort
09/16/2020
Valley Journal
Valley Journal: Gubernatorial candidate stumps for votes in Polson
09/15/2020
NBC Montana
Gubernatorial candidate visits Butte with running mate
09/14/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Gubernatorial candidate Mike Cooney unveils plans for veterans
09/10/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Cooney unveils ‘Growing Montana’ plan to support struggling agriculture
09/02/2020
Explore Big Sky
Q&A with Whitney Williams
09/01/2020
Explore Big Sky
Mike Cooney
09/01/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Gianforte tours MSU COVID-19 facilities, says he wouldn’t employ mandates
09/01/2020
Missoula Current
Student debt, early ed and teacher talent top Cooney’s public education plan
08/28/2020
KPAX
Dem gov candidate Cooney unveils education plan
08/27/2020
MTN News
Cooney, Gianforte gov-race cash: Where’s it coming from?
08/21/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Cooney unveils health care plan in Bozeman
08/19/2020
Yellowstone Public Radio
Gubernatorial Candidate Tim Fox On Public Lands, Public Safety And Health Care
08/13/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Cooney wants permanent ban on sales tax in Montana
08/11/2020
KHQ
Democratic candidate for governor, Mike Cooney releases plan to ‘Keep Montana Working’
07/30/2020
KULR
Lt. Gov. Cooney meets with home health care facility looking to offer special apprenticeship
07/29/2020
Valley Journal
Valley Journal: Gianforte visits Polson on ‘Montana Comeback Tour’
07/28/2020
NBC Montana
Cooney stops in NW Montana to check progress on rails to trails project
07/24/2020
Montana Public Radio
Cooney Releases Public Lands Plan
07/15/2020
Daily Inter Lake
Gianforte unveils economic plan at Kalispell campaign stop
07/15/2020
Associated Press
Lieutenant governor fined $1K for violating ethics laws
07/08/2020
MTN News
Montana COPP cites Lt. Gov. Cooney for making campaign call from state office
07/08/2020
MTN News
Gov candidate Gianforte releases 10 years of income-tax returns
07/01/2020
Flathead Beacon
County Commissioners Meet with Gianforte - Flathead Beacon
07/01/2020
MTN News
MT’s 2020 gubernatorial race: Stark contrasts between Cooney, Gianforte
06/29/2020
Lee Newspapers
Gianforte, Cooney raise similar figures over last month, but in total Gianforte leads by far
06/22/2020
Sidney Herald
Tim Fox talks coronavirus, deficit spending and fracking
06/18/2020
MTN News
Ad Watch: Gianforte takes after Cooney in gov race
06/09/2020
Montana Free Press
Cooney and Gianforte campaigns take aim at November, and each other | Montana Free Press
06/04/2020
The Hill
Gianforte wins Montana gubernatorial primary
06/03/2020
Lee Newspapers
Gianforte, Cooney win governor primaries
06/02/2020
Independent Record
Gov candidates talk pre-K, education
05/23/2020
Montana Public Radio
Tim Fox 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Greg Gianforte 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Al Olszewski 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Mike Cooney 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Whitney Williams 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Lee Newspapers
Group makes nearly $700k ad buy in gubernatorial primary
05/19/2020
MTN News
MT GOP files complaint on Cooney’s office campaign call
05/18/2020
Associated Press
Montana sees most female statewide candidates in decades
05/13/2020
Lee Newspapers
Candidates hit the airwaves on gov primary
05/05/2020
Flathead Beacon
The Race to Be Seen - Flathead Beacon
05/05/2020
Sidney Herald
2 Republicans, 2 Democrats face off in virtual gubernatorial debate
04/29/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Gubernatorial candidates debate agriculture issues
04/26/2020
Montana Free Press
Candidates for governor — minus Gianforte — address agriculture via internet | Montana Free Press
04/26/2020
Lee Newspapers
Gov candidates talk rural issues
04/25/2020
MTN News
Who’s best gov candidate to lead MT out of pandemic? GOP’ers make their case
04/22/2020
Yellowstone Public Radio
Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Cooney On Public Service, Health Care And Energy
04/15/2020
Lee Newspapers
Gianforte disputes Fox’s insider trading claim
04/15/2020
Havre Herald
Candidate Fox Touts His Ability To With Different Sides
04/06/2020
KGVO
Fox – Knokey Introduce Campaign Strategy for Military Veterans
03/26/2020
Madisonian
Montana 2020 Elections | The Madisonian
03/11/2020
Helena Independent Record
Williams picks eastern Montana farmer as running mate
03/02/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Gianforte names Great Falls attorney Kristen Juras as lieutenant governor running mate
03/02/2020
Montana Public Radio
Campaign Beat: Dem Debates And Running Mates
02/28/2020
KPAX
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Williams gets endorsement from former Gov. Schweitzer
02/27/2020
Montana Free Press
Democratic gubernatorial candidates Cooney and Williams present positions in Bozeman | Montana Free Press
02/24/2020
Lee Newspapers
Bozeman forum: Cooney cites experience, Williams says she’s got fresh ideas
02/22/2020
Havre Herald
Olszewski Runs For Gov As Most Qualified On Health Care
02/22/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Cooney, Williams highlight differences in second debate
02/22/2020
Flathead Beacon
Fox Releases Public Safety Plan, Calls for More Treatment Court Funding - Flathead Beacon
02/21/2020
Associated Press
Democrats running for governor are split on Bullock’s legacy
02/20/2020
The Madisonian
WHITNEY WILLIAMS COMES TO MADISON COUNTY | The Madisonian
02/19/2020
Billings Gazette
Democratic candidates for Montana’s governor target opponents in forum
02/12/2020
KTVQ
Fox touts ag policy, electability at Billings stop
02/11/2020
Sidney Herald
Lt. Gov. candidate Jon Knokey visits Sidney
02/10/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Democrat Casey Schreiner ends 2020 run for governor
02/03/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Tim Fox picks former Bozeman lawmaker as running mate in governor’s race
01/29/2020
Montana Free Press
GOP governor candidates stake similar claims at Billings debate | Montana Free Press
01/24/2020
Montana Standard
Guest view: Gianforte is most qualified candidate for Montana governor
01/24/2020
KGVO
Greg Gianforte Visits KGVO Studio on Wednesday to Talk Politics
01/23/2020
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Livingston Democrat drops out of Montana governor’s race
01/20/2020
MTN News
Tester endorses Cooney in contested Democratic gov primary
01/18/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Guest column: Daines’ Water Compact bill fails to protect western Montana
01/10/2020
Yellowstone Public Radio
Montana, Wyoming Congress Members Urge SCOTUS To Reconsider Roe v Wade
01/03/2020
Montana Standard
Guest view: Tim Fox has character necessary for good leadership
12/23/2019
MTN News
Tim Fox elected president of National Association of Attorneys General
12/11/2019
Billings Gazette
Schreiner defends Montana’s public land heritage
11/30/2019
Montana Free Press
GOP candidates for governor talk jobs in Helena | Montana Free Press
11/27/2019
KGVO
Attorney General Tim Fox Reacts to Gianforte and Knudsen
11/19/2019
Missoulian
Why Whitney Williams should be Montana’s next governor
11/12/2019
Char-Koosta News
Whitney Williams wants your vote for her gubernatorial run to Helena
11/07/2019
Great Falls Tribune
Bullock endorses Cooney in 2020 governor’s race
10/25/2019
Independent Record
Gubernatorial candidates pitch themselves to MT lodging association
10/23/2019
Billings Gazette
Gianforte: Trump impeachment proceedings are a sham
10/17/2019
Independent Record
Cooney wants governor candidates to limit outside money
10/16/2019
Montana Public Radio
Whitney Williams Announces Run For Governor
10/03/2019
Independent Record
Williams becomes 4th Democrat in Montana governor’s race
10/03/2019
Independent Record
GOP governor candidate proposes unity pledge
09/23/2019
Lee Newspapers
Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney to announce run for governor Wednesday
07/03/2019
Montana Free Press
At GOP convention in Helena, Gianforte goes ‘all in’ for governor | Montana Free Press
06/14/2019
Montana Public Radio
Casey Schreiner Joins Race For Governor
06/11/2019
Associated Press
Former Democratic legislator to run for Montana governor
06/10/2019
Lee Newspapers
Gianforte files to run for governor in 2020
06/06/2019
Associated Press
State Senator Al Olszewski Announces Run for Governor - Flathead Beacon
04/03/2019
MTN News
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox announces campaign for governor
01/24/2019
Ekalaka Eagle
Governor candidate has lunch at Dawg House
Glasgow Courier
AG Fox Talks Policies in Campaign for Gov.
Havre Daily News
Schreiner stumps in Havre Thursday for governor
Havre Daily News
Schreiner stumps for governor in Havre
Glasgow Courier
AG Fox Sits Down With Stat Air, Hospital to Discuss Health Care
Havre Daily News
Gianforte discusses in Chamber call federal COVID relief
Associated Press
Get Access
Havre Daily News
Cooney, Schreiner bring governor campaign to Havre
Havre Daily News
Gainforte talks about St. Mary Diversion repairs
Stay tuned for more
We'll be updating this page with new information through Election Day in November 2020.
Have ideas about additional coverage that would be helpful as you consider your vote? Tell us at edietrich@montanafreepress.org.