Runs the office responsible for protecting Montanans from fraud by regulating the insurance and securities industries. Also holds a seat on the state land board. Elected to a four-year term. Incumbent Matt Rosendale is running for the U.S. House.
State Auditor
Candidates
Key coverage in the race for State Auditor
Race profile: Watching the insurers
Republican Troy Downing and Democrat Shane Morigeau bid to succeed Matt Rosendale in the race for the important but often overlooked office of State Auditor.
Montana Lowdown: Shane Morigeau
State Rep. Shane Morigeau interviewed by MTFP Editor-In-Chief John Adams before the June 2020 primary
Campaign finance
As reported in quarterly filings. Data current through 10/14/2020.
$588,654
Total raised in race
$474,150
Total spent
| Candidate | Total raised | Itemized individual contributions | Committee contributions | Self-financing | Unitemized contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Downing (R) | $300,120 | $154,169 | $15,440 | $93,140 | $37,371 |
| Shane Morigeau (D) | $288,534 | $236,956 | $10,970 | $13,500 | $27,108 |
| Roger Roots (L) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
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 State Auditor primary
| Candidate | Votes counted | % of vote | Votes behind |
|---|---|---|---|
| TROY DOWNING | 97,396 | 50.0% | 0 |
| SCOTT "TUX" TUXBURY | 58,224 | 29.9% | 39,172 |
| NELLY NICOL | 39,308 | 20.2% | 58,088 |
Dem. State Auditor primary
| Candidate | Votes counted | % of vote | Votes behind |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHANE A MORIGEAU | 78,606 | 61.3% | 0 |
| MIKE WINSOR | 49,600 | 38.7% | 29,006 |
Media coverage
Stories tracked in our database of 2020 election coverage.
Lee Newspapers
Divorce and old threats emerge in state auditor race
11/03/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Candidates in the running for open state auditor’s seat
10/31/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Auditor candidates tout their business, life strengths during debate
09/06/2020
Associated Press
GOP Candidate for Montana Auditor Could Face Campaign Fines - Flathead Beacon
07/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Troy Downing 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Nelly Nicol 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Scott Tuxbury 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Shane Morigeau 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Montana Public Radio
Mike Winsor 2020 Election Questionnaire
05/21/2020
Associated Press
Montana sees most female statewide candidates in decades
05/13/2020
MTN News
Independent PACs spending on low-profile MT statewide races
04/28/2020
MTN News
Two attorneys square off in Dem primary for state auditor
04/18/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Third Republican enters race for Montana state auditor
02/20/2020
Great Falls Tribune
Nicol enters 2020 race for Montana state auditor
10/03/2019
Miles City Star
Montana State Auditor candidate visits Miles City
09/09/2019
Lee Newspapers
Missoula Democrat Shane Morigeau running for state auditor post
07/03/2019
Associated Press
Republican Downing announces run for Montana state auditor
06/26/2019
Havre Daily News
Dem statewide office candidates speak in Havre
Havre Daily News
Nicol looks to improve insurance if elected as state auditor
Havre Daily News
Morigeau stumps for state auditor in Havre
Havre Daily News
Morigeau, Winsor face off in Democratic primary for auditor: Mike Winsor
Havre Daily News
Downing, Morigeau and Roots face off in auditor race: Shane Morigeau
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.