Young, Energetic, And Ready To Lead!

Please follow us on X and Telegram

The Montana Republican Party has something pretty special going for it. We have seasoned veterans, experienced political war horses, and battle-tested leaders who have earned every one of their stripes, scars, and gray hairs. They’ve been through the political wars, know where the land mines are buried, and have the wisdom that only experience can provide.

But here’s the exciting part: Montana Republicans may also have one of the youngest, freshest, and most dynamic leadership teams of any major state party in America!

And that’s something worth celebrating!

We aren’t simply recycling yesterday’s ideas and hoping for a different result. We have a new generation of young legislators and candidates bringing energy, ambition, fresh perspectives, and an exciting vision for Montana’s future. They stand for the enduring pillars of God, Family, and Country, individual liberty, opportunity, economic growth, and preserving the Montana way of life.

Just look at this remarkable group!

Katie Fruits, age 20 – Took on a historically deep-blue district, campaigned tirelessly, and came remarkably close to pulling off an upset. At 20, she’s already demonstrated more political grit than some career politicians develop in a lifetime. Watch this young lady!
Caleb Hinkle, age 34 – A young leader bringing energy and experience to the Montana House.
Braxton Mitchell, age 25 – Already serving as House Majority Whip. Apparently, he didn’t get the memo that you’re supposed to spend 30 years waiting around before getting a leadership position!
Daniel Zolnikov, age 39 – President Pro Tempore of the Montana Senate, bringing youthful leadership and experience to the upper chamber.
Katie Zolnikov, age 29 – Speaker of the Montana House, the first woman ever to hold that position in Montana history and, the historical distinction being celebrated here, the youngest House Speaker in the nation. That’s quite a résumé before turning 30!
Finley Warden, age 20 – Newly elected and already stepping into the arena. Some people are still figuring out what to do with their lives at 20; Finley is helping shape Montana’s future.
Trevor Funseth, age 27 – Armed with an economics degree and a fresh perspective, he brings valuable intellectual horsepower to the team.
Lukas Schubert, age 20 – Already winning a second term. Apparently, he decided one election victory wasn’t quite enough!
Matt Regier, in his early 40s – Senate President, demonstrating that the next generation of leadership is already moving into the highest levels of responsibility.

And let’s not forget our experienced Republican officeholders. Their contributions are invaluable. We need their institutional knowledge, political wisdom, and mentorship. A successful party doesn’t discard its veterans; it gives them a chance to help develop the next generation. After all, wisdom and youthful enthusiasm make a pretty formidable combination!

Meanwhile, some of our political opposition, including the Beyond Party crowd and Democrats, seem determined to keep repackaging the same tired, failed political formulas: more government, more compromise with collectivist philosophies, and more of the old ideas that have repeatedly failed wherever they’ve been tried. Apparently, some folks believe that if you put a fresh coat of paint on a 50-year-old political failure, voters won’t recognize it!

Montana Republicans have a much more exciting alternative.

We have young people who believe in the future, who aren’t afraid to stand for something, who are willing to work, campaign, debate, and take responsibility. They aren’t waiting for permission from the political establishment to lead. They’re already doing it!

I’m proud to know these young men and women, proud of what they’re accomplishing, and enormously encouraged by what they represent.

Montana doesn’t have to choose between experience and new ideas. We can have both. We can respect the generation that built the foundation while enthusiastically welcoming the generation that will build upon it.

The future of Montana isn’t something we need to worry about when we look at this lineup. It’s something we can get excited about!

Gray hair may bring wisdom, but youthful energy brings horsepower. And judging by this group, Montana’s Republican engine has plenty of both!

God, Family, Country — and a bright future for Montana!