Montana Governor — Greg Gianforte
Greg Gianforte is Montana's 25th governor, first sworn in January 2021 and reelected in November 2024 for a second term. A tech entrepreneur who sold RightNow Technologies to Oracle for $1.5 billion in 2011, Gianforte previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and founded multiple software companies. He is the first Republican elected to two gubernatorial terms in Montana since 1996.
Cut taxes and provide property tax relief for Montana residents
Status: completed
In the 2025 legislative session, Gianforte signed two major property tax bills (HB 231 and SB 542). According to the governor's office, 80% of Montana homeowners saw property tax cuts in 2025, with an average savings of over $500. The legislation established a homestead rate cutting property taxes for primary residences and long-term rentals by approximately 15%. The bills also provided up to $400 rebates, with more than 235,000 homeowners claiming rebates in 2025.
Reduce regulations and conduct regulatory review across state agencies
Status: in-progress
Gianforte and Lt. Governor Kristen Juras announced a comprehensive top-to-bottom review of regulations across every state agency, with the stated goal of revising, rolling back, and repealing unnecessary regulations while keeping those that protect public safety and the environment. This regulatory review was a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign platform.
Support conservative social policies including restrictions on abortion and transgender issues
Status: completed
In his first term, Gianforte signed multiple bills restricting abortion access (three in 2021, with restrictions continuing into later sessions), banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors (signed April 2023), required gender reassignment surgery to change birth certificates (2021), and banned transgender athletes from girls' sports in public schools (2021). In March 2026, he signed a bill defining sex as binary in state law, which would eliminate legal recognition of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex Montanans.
Address housing affordability crisis in Montana
Status: in-progress
Gianforte established task forces to address housing affordability, which he now describes as 'probably the biggest issue facing working families in Montana.' Housing affordability was notably absent from his policy agenda until a year and a half into his first term. Task forces have made recommendations that informed the 2025 property tax legislation, which aims to reduce costs for primary residences.
Support education funding and teacher pay increases
Status: completed
Gianforte announced record funding for education and implemented teacher pay increases. State employees and university system employees received raises, including 55 cents per hour in November 2022 and then $1.50 per hour for lower-paid workers in July 2023 and 2024, boosting the baseline salary for state workers making $40,000 to $47,320—an 18% increase.
Increase public access to Montana public lands
Status: completed
Gianforte has increased public access to more than 100,000 acres of Montana public lands, according to his official website and campaign materials. In 2024, Governor Gianforte and Montana FWP increased public access and conservation on 50,000 acres in eastern Montana.
Maintain Montana debt-free status and manage state finances responsibly
Status: completed
Gianforte has repeatedly highlighted that Montana remains debt-free under his administration. The state maintains a substantial 'Debt and Liability Free Account' containing $268 million in taxpayer funds set aside for emergencies. However, in November 2025, Gianforte faced criticism from Western News and progressive outlets for refusing to use these funds to maintain SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown affecting 77,000 Montanans.
Pursue energy independence and support all-of-the-above energy approach
Status: in-progress
In April 2025, Gianforte visited the White House and joined President Trump in signing executive orders aimed at unleashing American energy, particularly supporting coal production. In September 2025, he created the 'Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force,' tasked with providing recommendations by September 15, 2026. In August 2025, he signed Executive Order 5-2025 creating the 406 JOBS Initiative for workforce development in trades and AI.