Emma Kerr-Carpenter
Emma Kerr-Carpenter (Democratic) is the incumbent member of the Montana State Senate representing District 23 (Yellowstone County), running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Official legislative biography notes: Born 1989 in Watertown, New York; B.A. in international relations and religion; stay-at-home parent; served in House 2019-24; served in Senate since 2024; spouse’s name is Dan Cohn; one child, Asa.
Campaign site
“My family lives in the heart of Billings. As a legislator, I fought for you in Helena. I am committed to serving our community and ensuring your voice is heard.”
(Emma Kerr-Carpenter campaign website)Joanna Oblander
Joanna Oblander (Republican) is a candidate for the Montana State Senate in District 23 (Yellowstone County) in the November 3, 2026 general election. Joanna Oblander attended Billings Senior High School, Huntley Project High School, and Brigham Young University-Idaho. Oblander's career experience includes working as an office manager.
“Property taxes are pricing families out of their homes while government bureaucracies continue to grow unchecked. Hardworking Montanans are tired of temporary fixes and empty promises. I will fight for permanent, structural property tax relief by capping tax increases and demanding strict performance audits for all state agencies. We must ensure that every single tax dollar is spent efficiently and that our state government is finally held accountable to the taxpayers, not the other way around.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “Parents are the ultimate authority when it comes to raising and educating their children, but political agendas are increasingly threatening that fundamental right. I will stand strong against any public curricula that undermine a family's beliefs and values. By expanding school choice and strengthening workforce training partnerships between schools, the trades, and local businesses, we can empower parents and ensure our students are actually prepared for successful, high-paying careers right here in Montana.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)