Finalists Set for 2026 Montana Supreme Court Race

Two district judges, Dan Wilson and Amy Eddy, will face off in the general election for an open seat on the Montana Supreme Court.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:24am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the Montana state capitol building in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and ochre, conveying a sense of political tension and high stakes.The high-stakes race for an open seat on the Montana Supreme Court reflects the state's growing partisan divide over the role of the judiciary.Great Falls Today

There is one open seat on the Montana Supreme Court in this year's elections, and only two candidates - Dan Wilson and Amy Eddy, both state district judges - filed to run for it. That means they will be moving on to the general election in November, regardless of the outcome of the June primary.

Why it matters

This race is significant as it will determine the ideological balance of the Montana Supreme Court, with the two candidates presenting contrasting judicial philosophies. The court's rulings on issues like environmental protections and the role of the legislature have become politically charged.

The details

Wilson and Eddy are both district judges in Flathead County, but have different approaches. Wilson describes himself as a 'constitutional conservative' critical of 'judicial activism', while Eddy emphasizes the court's role in upholding the state constitution and protecting individual liberties. Wilson has been more involved with the state Republican party, while Eddy has avoided partisan events.

  • Wilson ran unsuccessfully for the Montana Supreme Court in 2024.
  • The two candidates filed to run for the open seat in early 2026.
  • The June primary and November general election will take place this year.

The players

Dan Wilson

A district judge elected in 2016 who describes himself as a 'constitutional conservative' critical of 'judicial activism' on the Montana Supreme Court.

Amy Eddy

A district judge first appointed in 2015 who emphasizes the court's role in upholding the state constitution and protecting individual liberties.

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What they’re saying

“A judicial activist, in my view, is one whose judicial decision-making is dominated in those questionable cases by perhaps their own personal agenda or the agenda of special interests who advance their career. A constitutional conservative does not look to the end result first, but looks to the law.”

— Dan Wilson, District Judge

“People want nonpartisan, independent courts, and they want a government that functions, which is something we can certainly all get behind. Then, of course, with the focus on the Montana Constitution right now and the different constitutional initiatives, we have lots of conversations about the unique rights we have under the Montana Constitution that are not enjoyed under the U.S. Constitution.”

— Amy Eddy, District Judge

What’s next

The June primary and November general election will determine who fills the open seat on the Montana Supreme Court.

The takeaway

This race highlights the growing partisan divide over the role of the judiciary, with the two candidates presenting starkly different judicial philosophies that could shape the court's rulings on high-profile issues like environmental protections and the balance of power between the legislature and the courts.