Montana State House District 97

Current seat holder: Melody Cunningham (D).

Melody Cunningham

Melody Cunningham (Democratic) Official legislative biography notes: Born 1958 in Augusta, Maine. Moved to Montana in 2020; B.A. in literature and pre-medical, Wellesley College; residency and M.D. from University of Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship; pediatric oncologist and pediatric hospice and palliative medicine physician, retired from clinical practice; American Academy of Pediatrics, national and Montana chapters; board of directors, Partners Hope Foundation, End-ofLife and Hospice Center; served in House since 2025; spouse’s name is Michael Rohrer; one child.

Campaign site

“Who am I? • A first-generation college graduate, raised by a single mom due to the sudden death of my father A recipient of a strong public education who waitressed full-time to pay for college.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
“I believe that we must reach across the aisle and have: "Collaborative Conversations for Sensible, Shared Solutions!” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
“There is a crisis of Healthcare in Montana and in our Country. As the only medical doctor of the 150 legislators in Montana, I will fight hard to help my fellow legislators to know the unintended consequences of bills that seem so clear at first read.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)

Michael Hagestad

Michael Hagestad (Republican) Michael Hagestad graduated from Wickenburg High School. Hagestad earned a bachelor's degree from Hillsdale College in 2021 and a law degree from the University of Montana in 2024. Hagestad's career experience includes working as a lawyer.

“I am from Missoula. I am married and have two kids. I went to Law School at the University of Montana and I practice law in Montana.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
“I want to do everything possible to lower the costs living for Montana residents.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
“I think housing, taxes, and insurance premiums are easy targets to lower the cost of living.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)