(Almost) Daily Campaign Updates!

What's Happening in the run for HD 37 in Fergus and Petroleum Counties

Thank you SO much for your support of my campaign! I've never done this before but I'm learning fast!! It's been less than a week since I was asked to serve HB 37, and it feels like my life was dumped in a cement mixer! On Saturday, the 7th of March I attended Campaign finance compliance training, and the Mansfield Metcalf Dinner in Helena. THAT was fun!! Yesterday I took a Lord's Day rest and worked on this website. I want to make sure that the lines of communication are open and that YOU are kept in the loop! Today I finished my ActBlue application, and now we wait for their approval. Now, that doesn't mean you can't contribute! There's a donation option right here (somewhere) on my site! It will allow you to donate and the money goes right into the campaign account. As much as I hate it, running for office isn't exactly like applying for a job, and communication costs money. That's basically what it's all about, communication. From the business cards to the flyers and signs, it's all communications! Even this website cost just about $500! If you want to stay informed and follow my progress you can log in here for updates, or follow me on Facebook. I'm not up on any of the other sites yet, but give me a minute, I'll get there!! God bless you, and again, THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart! (Posted 10 Mar '26)

Tracey at the doors to the Secretary of States Office

Our Montana Constitution at Risk

If we live and work in Montana, we are Montanans. Whether your family came to Montana in 1880, or last week, we are here because it is the last best place. We are here for the freedom that Montana offers and the abundance of wild and stunning wilderness that Montanans enjoy in so many different ways!

But how many of us have read Article II, Section 3 of our Montana Constitution lately? In 1972 control of Montana was wrested away from powerful men and "Big Money." Citizens, not politicians, rewrote our 1972 Constitution that we hold so dear today. This is the first major right written into our Constitution:

"All persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights. They include the right to a clean and healthful environment and the rights of pursuing life's basic necessities... acquiring, possessing and protecting property..."

This isn't just a piece of paper; it’s a shield protecting farmers, ranchers, and every citizen. But the 2025 Legislative Session has significantly weakened that shield. Before you vote in the primary, consider these three consequences of recent legislation:

1. Is your right to a "clean environment" now just a "right to paperwork"?

The Law: HB 285 was signed by Governor Gianforte in May 2025. It strips language from the law that says environmental reviews are meant to "prevent harm." It explicitly states that the state cannot deny a permit based on an environmental study alone.

The Consequence: If a study proves a new industrial project will poison a local aquifer, the state claims it no longer has the authority to stop it. Our "inalienable right" has been demoted to a mere procedural hurdle.

2. Is your water right being "streamlined" away?

The Law: SB 358 and SB 178 (2025) changed how water is managed and leased. While framed as "flexibility," these bills make it easier for new developments and municipalities to expand their water use, potentially encroaching on the senior water rights that Montana ag families have owned for a century.

The Consequence: For a rancher, water is property. When the state prioritizes "expedited" growth for new arrivals over historical use, it threatens your right to "acquire, possess, and protect property."

3. Can you afford to defend your land?

The Law: HB 270 (2025) revised the rules for legal challenges. It increases the financial and procedural "barriers to entry" for citizens who want to challenge state permits in court.

The Consequence: The Constitution says you have the right of "defending your life and liberty." But if the legislature makes it so expensive to sue that only corporations can afford the legal fees, do you actually have that right anymore?

Our Constitution was written to protect us from government and corporate overreach. Your vote in the primary determines if we protect the document that protects us.

Are your elected officials working for you, or for someone else? I work for YOU I will defend our Constitution with every breath left in my body, elected or not!! Our Constitution is the shield that protects our rights as citizens, the land that we love, and the Montana way of life.

Remember, your voice matters. Together, we can make a difference. Keep the momentum going, and let’s work towards a brighter future for all Montanans. Please consider a small contribution so we can keep up the fight for our Constitution and our way of life!!