Janet Ellis
Janet Ellis (Democratic) is a candidate for the Montana House of Representatives in District 81 (Lewis and Clark County) in the November 3, 2026 general election. Official legislative biography notes: Born 1956 in Columbus, Ohio; moved to Montana in 1976; graduated from Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio; B.A. in Biology, University of Montana; retired as Senior Director of Policy for Montana Audubon after 29 years; served in House 2015-18; served in Senate since 2019; spouse’s name is Jim Hansen; one son.
· Montana Legislature — 2025 Lawmakers of Montana (Copper Book) & Official Roster
Healthcare & Medicaid Expansion: “I understand that people that get to pay for staff have different challenges than people who don't. And that's my big concern.”
(Montana Free Press) Fair Redistricting: “One of the concerns I have, as you know, is this splits 14 counties, and almost all major cities in the state. It seems like there were other goals besides population equity.”
(Montana Free Press) John Looney Sr.
John Looney Sr. (Republican) is a candidate for the Montana House of Representatives in District 81 (Lewis and Clark County) in the November 3, 2026 general election. John Looney Sr. served in the U.S. Army starting in 1993. His career experience includes working as a business owner and president. As of 2024, Looney Sr. was affiliated with the Montana Bail Agents Association and the National Association of Bail Agents.
Campaign site
“I am a military veteran, lifelong Montanan, homeschool father and grandfather, and owner of Bad Boy Bail Bonds and Montana Pretrial Services, LLC. I serve as President of the Montana Bail Agents Association, Executive VP of the National Association of Bail Agents, and sit on the Lewis and Clark County Citizens Advisory Council. With 30+ years navigating Montana's criminal justice system and running small businesses across the state, I bring real-world experience — not career politics — to HD-81.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “I am a citizen candidate — not a career politician. Montana's founders envisioned a legislature of working people who serve, then go home. I will do exactly that. My background as a veteran, business owner, and homeschool father gives me the perspective HD-81 families need: someone who lives under the laws he helps write.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “Montana's natural resources belong to Montanans. Government bureaucracy has crippled our ability to develop and benefit from our own land, minerals, and energy. I will fight to remove those barriers so that Montana's wealth works for Montana families — reducing the tax burden without raising new taxes.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)