Denise Baum
Denise Baum (Democratic) Official legislative biography notes: Born 1967 in West Allis (a suburb of Milwaukee), Wisconsin; moved to Montana in 1997; B.S. in criminal justice administration with an area of specialization in psychology, Mount Senario College, Ladysmith, WI; retired in 2024 from City of Billings Police Department after 21 years, served as a detective investigating crimes against children; Salvation Army advisory board; committee chair and adult leader, Boy Scouts of America troop 77-Billings; served in House since 2023; spouse’s name is Craig; one son, Colton.
Campaign site
“In 2024, I retired from the Billings Police Department after proudly serving the City of Billings as a law-enforcement officer for 21 years, with the last 15 years assigned to the Investigations Division as a detective. A lot has changed during that time, except my deep commitment to serving the public.”
(Denise Baum campaign website) “As a detective, I have investigated all types of violent crimes but my primary focus was investigating crimes against children. I have seen firsthand the devastating impacts of funding cuts to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). It was the continual, drastic cuts to DPHHS’s budget that drove me to run for the State Legislature as a Representative in 2022 and thanks to your continued support, sent me to Helena again in 2024.”
(Denise Baum campaign website)Bryce Walston
Bryce Walston (Republican) Bryce Walston graduated from Absarokee High School. Walston's career experience includes working as a miner.
“I am a long-time resident of Billings, a worker in Montana’s mining industry, and a proud father of three. Raising our family here, including a daughter with special needs, has taught me the true value of community, hard work, and accountability. I didn't set out to be a politician, but I am running for the State Legislature because we need practical leadership in Helena. I want to ensure our state respects taxpayers, protects individual freedoms, and remains an affordable, safe place for working families.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “As someone who works in Montana’s mining industry, I know exactly what it takes to keep good-paying jobs in our state. We need to cut red tape for small businesses, invest heavily in workforce development, and embrace an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy that keeps prices affordable and our grid reliable. By responsibly developing our natural resources, we can drive economic growth and ensure Montana remains competitive while protecting our way of life.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “Working families, seniors, and small business owners are being squeezed by excessive property tax burdens. I believe in responsible budgeting and reducing unnecessary government spending. We need smart, targeted investments in our infrastructure that prioritize essential maintenance and long-term planning. I will fight to ensure that state funds are used efficiently and transparently, so we accommodate growth without wasting your hard-earned tax dollars.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)