U.S. Senate confirms Gootkin as U.S. Marshal for Montana

U.S. President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Marshal’s Service in Montana, Brian Gootkin, was confirmed by the United States Senate on Monday by a 46 to 43 vote, along with several dozen other nominees.

Gootkin is the former Director of the Montana Department of Corrections, appointed by Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican. Prior to joining the Gianforte administration, Gootkin served as the Gallatin County Sheriff.

During his tenure at the Montana Department of Corrections, Gootkin has led several projects including an expansion and the remodeling of the current largest men’s prison in Deer Lodge. He also saw that same facility through a substantial breakdown in the prison’s plumbing in 2025 in which Gianforte ordered the state’s National Guard to help deliver water to prisoners. Moreover, during that same period, Montana has increased its reliance on private prison contractor Core Civic to house prisoners that the state didn’t have capacity to handle. Hundreds of Montana prisoners have been transferred to facilities in Arizona and Mississippi.

Gootkin’s appointment is a four-year term, and the federal law enforcement agency cooperates on a number of higher profile law enforcement project like drug trafficking interdictions and capturing people on the state and federal “most wanted” lists.

Both Montana’s U.S. Senators voted to confirm Gootkin — and the other nominees — on a 46-to-43 vote. Both Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy are Republicans from Gallatin County.

“Brian Gootkin has served Montana proudly for years, and we are thrilled that he has been confirmed to serve as Montana’s U.S. Marshal,” the senators said in a joint statement. “Brian’s experience at the Department of Corrections and as Sheriff of Gallatin County have proven his commitment to public safety and the rule of law. We look forward to seeing the continued impact he will have on our great state.”