Republican incumbent Gov. Greg Gianforte and Democratic challenger Ryan Busse both emerged victorious in their party’s primaries on Tuesday, setting the stage for a showdown in the Montana governor’s race in November.
As of 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, with approximately 52% of the votes counted, Gianforte was leading his Republican rival Tanner Smith by 53 percentage points, while Busse held a 42 percentage point lead over Democrat Jim Hunt.
The Libertarian candidate Kaiser Leib was unopposed in the primary and will advance to the general election.
Gianforte, who is seeking his third term as governor, and Busse, a political newcomer, portrayed their victories as the beginning of a new chapter in the 2024 campaign.
In a statement, Gianforte highlighted his achievements in office and emphasized his commitment to continue delivering for Montanans in a second term. He framed the upcoming election as a clear choice between positive momentum and conservative values versus far-left activism.
Busse, on the other hand, pointed out the significant percentage of Republican primary voters who did not support Gianforte, citing issues with the incumbent’s leadership and policy decisions.
The statement from Smith did not concede based on the early vote counts, expressing confidence in his support from the True Conservative base.
Hunt endorsed Busse, emphasizing the need for a change in leadership and aligning his values with the Democratic challenger.
Gianforte has been campaigning on a platform of fiscal and social conservatism, highlighting his record of passing Republican-backed legislation during his tenure.
Busse, a strong advocate for public lands and a former gun executive, has focused his campaign on property tax reform, abortion rights, and responsible governance.
Political analyst Lee Banville noted the contrasting strategies of the candidates, with Busse highlighting Gianforte’s shortcomings while the incumbent emphasizes his accomplishments.
The Montana Democratic Party chair criticized Gianforte’s record and expressed confidence in Busse’s ability to win in November.
As the candidates prepare for the general election, Gianforte holds a fundraising advantage over Busse, with more cash on hand to support his campaign.
