Missoula, MT — As candidate filing closed across Montana for the 2026 election cycle, Missoula County Republicans are reporting strong growth in grassroots participation and precinct leadership.

Republicans filed 43 precinct committee seats across Missoula County — significantly outpacing the 30 filed by Democrats (26 men and 17 women for Republicans compared to 16 men and 14 women for Democrats). The filings reflect a coordinated effort by local party volunteers to strengthen neighborhood-level organization.

In the weeks leading up to the filing deadline, members of the Missoula County Republican Central Committee contacted current precinct committee members and successfully recruited additional precinct candidates to step forward and file, expanding Republican representation at the neighborhood level.

“Republicans showed up across Missoula County this filing period,” said Missoula GOP Chairman Michael HagEstad. “We’re seeing real momentum at the precinct level, and several of our grassroots leaders have stepped forward to run for the legislature.”

Missoula Republicans filed the following candidates for legislative seats:

• Lyn Hellegaard for House District 89
• Roy Handley for House District 93
• Greg Woodward for House District 94
• Michael HagEstad for House District 97
• Bryan Muzzana for House District 98
• Ryan Darling for House District 99
• Michael Bowles for House District 100
• Brad Tschida for Senate District 49

Local Republicans also noted that while some Missoula County government races will not feature Republican candidates this cycle, the organization is focused on recruiting candidates who are prepared to run competitive campaigns and represent their communities effectively. Strengthening precinct leadership and building a deeper bench of candidates remains a key part of the party’s long-term strategy.

“Strong precinct organization is how you build a durable political movement,” said Michael HagEstad. “We’re grateful for the volunteers who stepped up, and this growth at the precinct level positions us well for the future. Missoula is not known for its conservative bona fides, but with effort anything can change. I look forward to forcing the Democrats to compete for every vote in Missoula and offering a real alternative to Democrat misfeasance.”

If you would like to learn more or are interested in helping the Missoula County Republican Central Committee make real gains in Missoula, visit missoulagop.org.

###

About the Missoula County Republican Central Committee 

The Missoula County Republican Central Committee is the official Republican Party organization for Missoula County, dedicated to electing Republican leaders who support low taxes, a strong business climate, good-paying jobs, and the Montana tradition of strong families and local communities.