Candidates set for June primary

by Annie Wooden

It's a somewhat quiet election season for local Sanders County races this election season. Five county elected officials are up for re-election this year, and only one race is contested.

County Commissioner Dan Rowan, Attorney Megan Hansen and Coroner Greg Davis are all running unopposed for their respective positions. Alisa Garcia of Thompson Falls was the only candidate to file for the combined position of Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools. The position was most recently held by Lisa Wadsworth, who was appointed after Nichol Scribner resigned in late 2022.

The only local race with more than one candidate is that of Clerk of District Court. Cynthia Neste, who was appointed following the resignation of Candy Fisher in 2022, is seeking re-election. Also filing for Clerk of District Court is Carl Marquardt of Trout Creek, who currently works in the county Justice Court office.

For the June 4 primary, Sanders County voters will help choose who moves on to November's general election in several regional races. Jennifer Fielder of Thompson Falls is running for another term as Public Service Commissioner in District 4. Al Dunlap of St. Regis has also filed as a candidate for the position.

In Congressional District 1, Ryan Zinke of Whitefish, a Republican, is running for another term as U.S. Representative. Also filing were Republican Mary Todd of Helena, Democrat Monica Tranel of Missoula, and Libertarian candidates Dennis Hayes of Townsend and Ernie Noble of Bozeman.

In the 20th Judicial District, which includes Lake and Sanders counties, Judge Molly Owen has filed for another term in Department 1. In Department 2, Britt Cotter of Polson has filed to fill the seat held by Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher, who recently withdrew from the race and announced her retirement.

Filing as candidates in Senate District 7 are Republican Greg Hertz of Polson and Democrat Craig Pablo, also of Polson. Three candidates filed in Senate District 45, including Republicans Denley Loge of St. Regis and Annamarie White of Alberton, as well as Republican Devin Jackson of Lolo. Senate District 46 will have four candidates on the primary ballot, including Republican Charles Headley of Arlee and Democrats C.B. Pearson of Milltown, Jacinda Morigeau of Arlee and Gwen Nicholson of Missoula.

Paul Fielder of Thompson Falls has filed as a Republican candidate for State Representative in District 14, with Colleen Hinds of Heron filing as a Democrat for the race. The three candidates in District 90 include Jeff Stanek of St. Regis, Steven Delisle of Alberton and Curtis Cochran of St. Regis, all Republicans. Democrat Shelly Fyant of Arlee and Republican Joe Read of Ronan are seeking to represent House District 91 in the state legislature.