Regier elected House Majority Leader

Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, has been elected House Majority Leader in the Montana Legislature.

Republicans retained control over both chambers after the Nov. 4 election, and they will hold the top leadership positions in the legislature.

Regier, a former school teacher who has lived in the Flathead since 1974, was first elected to the House in 2008. House District 4 runs east to west across the middle of the Flathead Valley.

During this year’s campaign, Regier expressed concerns about over taxation, the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact, Obamacare, and pension plans for teachers and state employees.

Sen. Matthew Rosendale, R-Glendive, who ran for the U.S. House this year, was elected Senate Majority Leader. Sen. Debby Barrett, R-Dillon, was elected President of the Senate after being nominated by Rosendale.

Barrett will be the first female Senate President in Montana history. Her personal goal is a smooth and respectful session with no “gotcha” moments between senators.

Democrats say they will look to work with moderate Republicans on several bills, as they did last session.

House Leadership

Speaker of the House

Rep. Austin Knudsen, R-Culbertson, HD 34

Speaker Pro-Tempore

Rep. Lee Randall, R-Broadus, HD 37

Majority Leader

Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, HD 4

Majority Whips

Rep. Sarah Laszloffy, R-Laurel, HD 53

Rep. Alan Doane, R-Bloomfield, HD 36

Rep. Jerry Bennett, R-Libby, HD 1

Rep. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, HD 12

Minority Leader

Rep. Chuck Hunter, D-Helena, HD 83

Minority Caucus Chair

Rep. Bryce Bennett, D-Missoula, HD 91

Minority Whips

Rep. Margie MacDonald, D-Billings, HD 51

Rep. Jenny Eck, D-Helena, HD 79

Senate Leadership

President of the Senate

Sen. Debby Barrett, R-Dillon, SD 36

President Pro-Tempore

Sen. Eric Moore, R-Miles City, SD 19

Majority Leader

Sen. Matthew Rosendale, R-Glendive, SD 18

Majority Whips

Sen. Edward Buttrey, R-Great Falls, SD 11

Sen. Cary Smith, R-Billings, SD 27

Minority Leader

Sen. Jon Sesso, D-Butte, SD 37

Minority Whips

Sen. Robyn Driscoll, D-Billings, SD 26

Sen. Tom Facey, D-Missoula, SD 48