- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Hamilton Today
By the People, for the People
Ellsworth Challenges Schillinger In Eastern Montana House Race
State Sen. Jason Ellsworth, a Republican charged with official misconduct, files for election in House District 34 against incumbent Rep. Jerry Schillinger.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:03pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
State Sen. Jason Ellsworth, a Hamilton Republican who has been charged with official misconduct, has filed for election in House District 34, which is in southeastern Montana. That seat is currently held by Rep. Jerry Schillinger, a Republican who is chairperson of the Freedom Caucus. Ellsworth has represented Hamilton as a state senator since 2019 and is now filing in a district hundreds of miles away, despite the charges against him.
Why it matters
This race highlights the ongoing tensions within the Montana Republican Party, as Ellsworth has broken ranks with the party on some key votes, drawing the ire of more conservative factions. The outcome could impact the balance of power in the state legislature.
The details
Ellsworth did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on his candidacy. Lee Montana reported he owns property in the district and shared a partial photo of his drivers license with an address in Custer County, near Ismay. Ellsworth notably joined eight other Republican senators last Legislative session on voting with Democrats on committee assignments and significant pieces of legislation. Schillinger said he wasn't surprised a challenger filed in his race, noting 'The Democrats that call themselves Republicans had vowed to put challengers in every conservative race.'
- Ellsworth filed with a Hamilton P.O. box on March 4.
- Schillinger filed with a Circle address in the middle of February.
The players
Jason Ellsworth
A Republican state senator from Hamilton who has been charged with official misconduct and is now challenging incumbent Rep. Jerry Schillinger in House District 34.
Jerry Schillinger
The Republican incumbent in House District 34 and chairperson of the Freedom Caucus, who has served in the Montana House since 2020.
What they’re saying
“The Democrats that call themselves Republicans had vowed to put challengers in every conservative race.”
— Jerry Schillinger, Republican incumbent in House District 34
“The biggest thing I heard was a real frustration with people that campaigned as conservatives and then went to Helena and became Democrats.”
— Jerry Schillinger, Republican incumbent in House District 34
What’s next
Ellsworth is due back in court later this month regarding the charges of official misconduct against him.
The takeaway
This race highlights the ongoing divisions within the Montana Republican Party, as more moderate members like Ellsworth face challenges from conservative factions. The outcome could have broader implications for the balance of power in the state legislature.
