Republican Katie Zolnikov becomes first woman elected Montana House speaker

In an historic vote, Republicans chose Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, as Speaker of the House in the Montana Legislature on Wednesday.

Zolnikov is the first woman elected to the role in Montana, and the 2025 speaker pro tempore pledged to run a chamber where work gets done on the record, not in the shadows.

Zolnikov, 29, also will be the youngest female speaker of a state House in the nation’s history, according to a news release from Republicans citing the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In her election and that of Rep. Tom Millett, of Marion, as majority leader, Republicans in the House showed an appetite for a change in leadership.

Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, of Savage, and Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, of Great Falls, lost bids for re-election.

Democrats chose Rep. SJ Howell of Missoula as minority leader. Howell was the only representative nominated for the role.

The full chamber will vote to confirm the speaker and pro tempore roles when the 2027 Montana Legislature begins in January. Republicans have a 56-44 majority in the House.

“Today’s election demonstrates that the American Dream is alive in Montana,” Zolnikov said in a statement. “In Big Sky Country, you can still rise to the top by your own merits and work ethic, without having to be part of the good ol’ boys club or come from money.”

In a speech before the secret ballot vote, Zolnikov, who will be in her fourth session, said freedom exists only in societies where all voices are heard and respected.

“Still, there is a time when we must come together and focus on the things that make us Republicans, and now is that time,” Zolnikov said after being nominated.

Millett, a military veteran, said he wouldn’t just manage the legislative process, he would lead.

“I’ll treat members with respect, listen, keep commitments, hold no grudges, grind no axes, and never play politics with members’ bills, even if I disagree,” Millett said.

In legislatures across the country, Democrats gained seats in this month’s election as Americans struggle with the growing costs of gas and groceries.

They gained just two seats in the Montana House, and in press conferences after Wednesday’s leadership elections, both Zolnikov and Howell said affordability is their focus for the session.

“We’re going to address affordability first, and affordability second, and likely third, and maybe fourth,” Howell said.

“Montanans are feeling the squeeze, not just because of federal policies like the war in Iran and tariffs, but also because of changes here in the state.”

In Montana, Republicans have split on some issues, including budget priorities, and Howell said Democrats, with 44 members, are “in many ways the biggest caucus in the House.

“And we’re here to get the job done,” Howell said.

Zolnikov said lowering taxes is among her top priorities.

“To my fellow Montanans, as speaker, the legislature will prioritize addressing affordability, strengthening consumer protections, and working with instead of against the minority to ensure all Montana voices are heard,” Zolnikov said.

Republicans elected Rep. Mike Vinton, of Billings, as speaker pro tempore. They elected as majority whips Reps. Steve Gist, of Cascade; Shannon Maness, of Dillon; Braxton Mitchell, of Columbia Falls; Greg Oblander, of Billings; and Tracy Sharp, of Polson.

Democrats elected Reps. Tom France, of Missoula; Shelly Fyant, of Arlee; Zooey Zephyr, of Missoula; and Josh Seckinger, of Bozeman, as minority whips, and Denise Baum, of Billings as minority caucus chair.

This story has been updated to add Rep. Seckinger as a minority whip.