Montana State House District 46

Current seat holder: Denise Joy (D).

Denise Joy

Denise Joy (Democratic) Official legislative biography notes: Born 1964 in Billings; raised in Hardin; graduated Hardin High School 1983; B.A. in political science, Cleveland State University 1989; completed two years at Mississippi State University Graduate School of Public Policy and Administration 1991; graduate work at Mississippi Governor’s Office 1990; served on Billings City Council 2018-24; served in House since 2025; one son.

Campaign site

Property Taxes & Utility Rates: “One of my priorities is preserving the residential property tax reform that I supported during 2025. Protecting residential electrical consumers from an unfair utility increases.” (Billings Chamber of Commerce 2026 Candidate Questionnaire)
Community Input on Energy Siting: “As an elected official at the municipal level for seven years, what I can tell you every constituent hates is getting broad-sided by a big, huge change and not knowing it's coming down the road.” (The Whitehall Ledger)

Kimberly Welzenbach

Kimberly Welzenbach (Republican) Kimberly Welzenbach qualified with the Montana Secretary of State to appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot for House District 46.

Business Climate & Tax Reform: “In the 2027 Legislature, I would prioritize reducing unnecessary and burdensome regulations, advocate for the elimination of the business equipment tax, expanding hiring-related business tax credits, and advancing incentives that support housing availability and affordability.” (Billings Chamber of Commerce 2026 Candidate Questionnaire)
Energy Policy: “I reiterate my position from Question 5: funding sources should remain dedicated to their original intended purpose and should not be redirected. I support Montana Tourism and believe that funding from the lodging tax is essential to sustaining the state's tourism industry.” (Billings Chamber of Commerce 2026 Candidate Questionnaire)