Montana State House District 17
Tue, Nov 3 · Represented by Zack Wirth Republican · Member list as of Oct 28
Chris BechtoldDemocraticJustin W ClevelandRepublican
Last result · 2024 general (different candidates): Zack Wirth (R) 75.3, Leonard Bates (D) 24.7
- Earlier results
- Ross H. Fitzgerald (Republican) won by 53.9 points, 2022, older linesRoss H. Fitzgerald (Republican) won by 57.0 points, 2020, older linesAll 29 elections
Side by side
Left column: BechtoldRight column: Cleveland
- Donor-based spectrum
- LiberalCentristConservativeClevelandNo published score for Bechtold
How these are counted
The spectrum is a published research score, not our rating. How this works.
Past results
- Votes for listed candidates
- 6,384
- Election day
- November 5, 2024
- District map
- Same as today
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2024, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanZack WirthWon Republican 4,80775.3% DemocraticLeonard Bates Democratic 1,57724.7% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,549
- Election day
- November 8, 2022
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2022, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRoss H. FitzgeraldWon(incumbent) Republican 3,50076.9% DemocraticBarnett G. Sporkin-Morrison Democratic 1,04923.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 5,671
- Election day
- November 3, 2020
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2020, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRoss H. FitzgeraldWon(incumbent) Republican 4,45278.5% DemocraticBarnett G. Sporkin-Morrison Democratic 1,21921.5% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,812
- Election day
- November 6, 2018
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2018, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRoss H. FitzgeraldWon(incumbent) Republican 3,59574.7% DemocraticRichard Kerr Democratic 1,21725.3%
- 2024: MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns; not an official source
- 1968 to 2022: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns; not an official source
Last contest in this district on file: 2024.
All elections (29 for this seat)
- Votes for listed candidates
- 6,384
- Election day
- November 5, 2024
- District map
- Same as today
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2024, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanZack WirthWon Republican 4,80775.3% DemocraticLeonard Bates Democratic 1,57724.7% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,549
- Election day
- November 8, 2022
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2022, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRoss H. FitzgeraldWon(incumbent) Republican 3,50076.9% DemocraticBarnett G. Sporkin-Morrison Democratic 1,04923.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 5,671
- Election day
- November 3, 2020
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2020, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRoss H. FitzgeraldWon(incumbent) Republican 4,45278.5% DemocraticBarnett G. Sporkin-Morrison Democratic 1,21921.5% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,812
- Election day
- November 6, 2018
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2018, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRoss H. FitzgeraldWon(incumbent) Republican 3,59574.7% DemocraticRichard Kerr Democratic 1,21725.3% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,975
- Election day
- November 8, 2016
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2016, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRoss H. FitzgeraldWon Republican 3,70074.4% DemocraticBarnett G. Sporkin-Morrison Democratic 1,27525.6% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,154
- Election day
- November 4, 2014
- District map
- Older district map (2014 to 2023)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2014, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanChristy ClarkWon(incumbent) Republican 2,84468.5% DemocraticKurt Dyer Democratic 1,31031.5% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,321
- Election day
- November 6, 2012
- District map
- Older district map (2004 to 2013)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2012, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanChristy ClarkWon(incumbent) Republican 2,36254.7% DemocraticMike Henning Democratic 1,95945.3% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,654
- Election day
- November 2, 2010
- District map
- Older district map (2004 to 2013)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2010, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanChristy ClarkWon Republican 2,06156.4% DemocraticMike Henning Democratic 1,59343.6% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,383
- Election day
- November 4, 2008
- District map
- Older district map (2004 to 2013)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2008, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRussell BeanWon Republican 2,36453.9% DemocraticLora Wier Democratic 2,01946.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,035
- Election day
- November 7, 2006
- District map
- Older district map (2004 to 2013)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2006, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRick RipleyWon(incumbent) Republican 2,71467.3% DemocraticJon A. Krutar Democratic 1,32132.7% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,763
- Election day
- November 2, 2004
- District map
- Older district map (2004 to 2013)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2004, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRick RipleyWon(incumbent) Republican 3,763100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,102
- Election day
- November 5, 2002
- District map
- Older district map (1994 to 2003)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2002, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticGary BranaeWon Democratic 1,36164.8% RepublicanPaul Dilorenzo Republican 74135.3% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,665
- Election day
- November 7, 2000
- District map
- Older district map (1994 to 2003)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 2000, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticGary GranaeWon Democratic 1,36551.2% RepublicanPaul J. Dilorenzo Republican 1,30048.8% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,044
- Election day
- November 3, 1998
- District map
- Older district map (1994 to 2003)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1998, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticBillie KrenzlerWon(incumbent) Democratic 1,14556.0% RepublicanBonnie Martinez Republican 89944.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,568
- Election day
- November 5, 1996
- District map
- Older district map (1994 to 2003)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1996, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticBillie KrenzlerWon Democratic 1,32651.6% RepublicanBonnie Martinez(incumbent) Republican 1,24248.4% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,393
- Election day
- November 8, 1994
- District map
- Older district map (1994 to 2003)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1994, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanBonnie MartinezWon Republican 1,22351.1% DemocraticJerry L. Driscoll(incumbent) Democratic 1,17048.9% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,374
- Election day
- November 3, 1992
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1993)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1992, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanErnest BergsagelWon(incumbent) Republican 2,38970.8% DemocraticStanley Barnard Democratic 98529.2% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,157
- Election day
- November 6, 1990
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1993)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1990, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanErnest BergsagelWon Republican 1,72654.7% DemocraticSid Hould Democratic 1,43145.3% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,796
- Election day
- November 8, 1988
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1993)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1988, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanDuane W. ComptonWon(incumbent) Republican 2,796100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,597
- Election day
- November 4, 1986
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1993)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1986, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanDuane W. ComptonWon(incumbent) Republican 2,597100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,768
- Election day
- November 6, 1984
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1993)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1984, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanDuane W. ComptonWon(incumbent) Republican 2,30261.1% DemocraticMarlyn Orahood Democratic 1,46638.9% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,725
- Election day
- November 2, 1982
- District map
- Older district map (1974 to 1983)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1982, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanTom L. JonesWon Republican 2,07155.6% DemocraticBruce D. Johnson Democratic 1,65444.4% - Votes for listed candidates
- 4,226
- Election day
- November 4, 1980
- District map
- Older district map (1974 to 1983)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1980, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanConn R. AlisonWon Republican 2,55660.5% DemocraticRichard F. Champoux Democratic 1,67039.5% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,136
- Election day
- November 7, 1978
- District map
- Older district map (1974 to 1983)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1978, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticJack Brian UhdeWon(incumbent) Democratic 1,87759.9% RepublicanJohn K. McDonald Republican 1,17337.4% OtherL. H. Larrivee Other 862.7% - Votes for listed candidates
- 3,436
- Election day
- November 2, 1976
- District map
- Older district map (1974 to 1983)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1976, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticJack Brian UhdeWon Democratic 1,93756.4% RepublicanTom L. Jones Republican 1,49943.6% - Votes for listed candidates
- 2,515
- Election day
- November 4, 1974
- District map
- Older district map (1974 to 1983)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1974, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticJames A. SloanWon Democratic 1,37054.5% RepublicanTom L. Jones Republican 1,14545.5% - Votes for listed candidates
- 12,862
- Election day
- November 7, 1972
- Seats
- 2
- District map
- Older district map (1972 to 1973)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1972, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticJames F. Fleming Jr.Won(incumbent) Democratic 3,47727.0% RepublicanCarl A. SeifertWon Republican 3,24225.2% DemocraticLeland Schoonover(incumbent) Democratic 3,18924.8% RepublicanJohn Schile Republican 2,95423.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 8,347
- Election day
- November 3, 1970
- Seats
- 2
- District map
- Older district map (1966 to 1971)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1970, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMiles L. SwanWon(incumbent) Republican 2,55030.6% DemocraticRobert M. AndersonWon Democratic 2,25227.0% DemocraticMichael H. Burchak Democratic 1,81421.7% RepublicanGeo Brownlee(incumbent) Republican 1,73120.7% - Votes for listed candidates
- 8,896
- Election day
- November 5, 1968
- Seats
- 2
- District map
- Older district map (1966 to 1971)
Montana House of Representatives District 17, 1968 to 2024, 1968, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMiles L. SwanWon(incumbent) Republican 2,58029.0% RepublicanGeo BrownleeWon(incumbent) Republican 2,27125.5% DemocraticThomas D. Evans Democratic 2,03122.8% DemocraticRobert M. Anderson Democratic 2,01422.6%
- 2024: MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns; not an official source
More about this race
Open seat
The current holder, Zack Wirth, is not on the candidate list.
Party nominees only, not the certified ballot.
Source: candidatefiling.mt.gov, dated Oct 28
District map
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- Democratic
- Republican
- Independent
- Nonpartisan
- More than one party
- No member listed
Map settings
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Download and cite
Cite this page
Election Wrld. (2026). Montana State House District 17, election results 1968 to 2024. https://www.electionwrld.com/mt/house/17. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
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Sources
Sources: Census TIGERweb Legislative MapServer (120th CDs layer 0, 119th CDs layer 4, 2026 SLD upper layer 1 and lower layer 2) (US Census Bureau, public domain), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open Civic Data division identifiers (census_autogenerated us_sldl/us_sldu and openstates state files); also (sld-recent.json): Open Civic Data division identifiers (country-us) (CC0 (repository); also (sld-recent.json): CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open States people (current) CSVs (CC0-1.0 (Open States people data)), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Open States volunteers and staff (rosters from state legislature sites) from official returns, not an official source; MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips) (Not stated in the GitHub repository (an earlier label said "MIT (repo)", which the repository does not support). MEDSL's Harvard Dataverse records are CC0 1.0, but these GitHub files were not checksum-matched to the Dataverse files, so CC0 is not claimed for them.), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns, not an official source; State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse) (CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns, not an official source.
DataState data (JSON)Sources: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), DIME (ODC-BY), MEDSL 2024 official precinct returnsData as of Oct 28, 2026