Montana State Senate District 49: candidates

Current seat holder: Willis Curdy (D).

Willis Curdy

Willis Curdy (Democratic) is the incumbent member of the Montana State Senate representing District 49 (Missoula County), running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Official legislative biography notes: Born 1948 in Hamilton; B.A. in history, M.Ed., University of Montana; farmer/rancher; thirty-year high school educator; thirty-eight years as wildland firefighter/U.S. Forest Service pilot; Missoula Rural Fire District Board of Trustees 1989-93; Big Flat Irrigation Commission 198388; served in House 2015-22; served in Senate since 2023; spouse’s name is Gloria; two sons; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

Campaign site

“Funding our public schools, technical schools and higher education.” (Willis Curdy campaign website)

“Opening and protecting access to our public lands.” (Willis Curdy campaign website)

“As your state senator, my priority of being your voice in Helena will NOT change. I believe that personal agendas do not make for good representation. During this campaign, I will work hard to gain the trust of those of you who haven’t met me. You can count on me to listen to what is important to you and then stand up for what should be done to move Montana forward.” (Willis Curdy campaign website)

Brad Tschida

Brad Tschida (Republican) is a candidate for the Montana State Senate in District 49 (Missoula County) in the November 3, 2026 general election. Brad Tschida qualified with the Montana Secretary of State to appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot for Senate District 49.

“I am humbled and excited at the opportunity to assist the Commission with its critical work of regulating Montana’s largest monopolies,.” (dailyinterlake.com)

“I fully believe in the PSC’s mission to fairly balance the interests of regulated companies and the public they serve, and I look forward to focusing my attention on this vital objective for the PSC and the people of Montana as a whole.” (dailyinterlake.com)

“I believe Mr. Tschida will do an excellent job of managing the expectations of commissioners, supporting our expert staff, and assisting the PSC with our ongoing efforts to improve agency operations and ensure that consumers receive vital utility services at fair and just prices,.” (dailyinterlake.com)