Incumbent Governor Greg Gianforte has been called as the winner in the Republican primary for Montana governor by Decision Desk.
Gianforte and Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras fended off a primary challenge from first-term State Rep. Tanner Smith, R-Lakeside with more than 77% percent of votes as of 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 4.
Watch previous coverage: Gianforte announces run for second term as Montana governor
Gianforte, a former tech-industry entrepreneur from Bozeman, served one term as Montana's U.S. House Representative and was elected as governor in 2020.
Smith said he decided to run for governor a few weeks into the 2023 legislative session, saying he believed Gianforte hadn’t governed as a true conservative.
“I’m grateful for Montanans’ outstanding support as Kristen and I seek to continue delivering conservative wins for Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said in a statement. “Montana needs to continue with strong, steady, conservative leadership to stand up to Joe Biden and the far-left’s agenda – an agenda that threatens our Montana way of life and has left hardworking Montana families struggling to make ends meet. As governor, I’ve defended our way of life, created good-paying Montana jobs, boosted opportunities for Montanans, and delivered meaningful relief to address Biden’s affordability crisis. I’m committed to continue delivering for Montanans in a second term.”
Gianforte will vie for his second term as Montana's governor against Democratic nominee Ryan Busse in November.
