Montana State House District 81

In 2021, the Montana State Legislature had one of the worst sessions to date for working families, small businesses, LGBTQ+ folks, and Montanans in general. I watched our state legislature continue to pass unpopular policies after receiving vocal opposition from the people of Montana. Helena is my home—I was born and raised here. This is where I graduated high school. I am running because of the fact that the Montana I know, love and grew up in is slipping away. I believe Montana is a place where hard work means something and that our government should work for working people, not just the rich and powerful.

As the oldest of six children, I acted as a built-in childcare provider in my family but know that this isn’t a realistic option for most Montanans. Quality, Affordable child care is simply out of reach for too many of us and no politician can claim to be ‘pro-family’ and not address this issue head-on. This is why I propose providing free childcare for families in need and a 7% cap on child care expenditures for all Montana families.
Rent in Montana has increased 62% faster than the national average and is becoming more and more out of reach for the average middle-income household. I care deeply about making housing more affordable and, if elected, will work to repeal the state legislature's overreaching ban on inclusionary zoning and to implement a Workforce Housing Tax Credit in Montana.

Quite frankly, at 19 years old, I would be the youngest legislator in the state and bring a unique perspective that is enhanced by identifying as gay and a Native urban living in Helena, Montana. For too long, old, white, straight, cis men have been the picture of an elected official, especially in a red state like Montana, and it is far past time for other groups to be represented in the capital. In light of the ‘don’t say gay’ and anti-trans bills spreading around the country, I hope that my unique candidacy running as an openly gay man will inspire the younger generation to know that there is hope and I will be a voice at the table for them. Additionally, members of the Native community have too often been shut out of decisions that directly involve us and it is time for our voice to be heard.

May 11 - Endorsement press conference with Mayor of Helena
June 7 - Primary date
November 8 - General Election

Yes, I am running in the democratic primary

I am a Democrat

Although I have been knocking doors for nearly a year, I came upon my biggest challenge just last month when I received a phone call from one of my endorsers, Montana 2018 Teacher of the Year recipient Melissa Romano, who called to let me know that she would be rescinding her endorsement and running against me in this race. Melissa has nearly universal name recognition as she previously ran twice, unsuccessfully, for statewide office and also has an email list that was easy to activate and brought her fast financing with small dollar donors. I cannot rely on previous statewide campaigns and benefit from receiving some prestigious award, so I am knocking on doors every day and night, rain or shine, to try and increase my name recognition.

We’re going to win because I have been knocking on doors in Helena months before any other candidate even announced their intention to run. I have been talking to voters for the past year about issues that matter to them. I have knocked over 2,000 doors and heard the personal stories of thousands of my constituents. I have the endorsement of the Mayor of Helena, Wilmot Collins, a beloved figure in the community who has offered to campaign with me and raise me much needed funds. Additionally, I have the support of several other notable democrats in the area

None

While I of course do not have the money for paid campaign staff in a small State House race and a total budget of about $20,000, I have attracted the interest of national campaign operatives who have generously offered their time to help this campaign.
David Gins, who served as Texas State Operations Director for the Biden-Harris Campaign and Coalitions Operations Director for the Democratic Coordinated Campaign in Georgia for the runoffs, is serving as a fundraiser and operational backbone of this campaign. From strategy to messaging, David focuses on areas where I have less experience so I can spend more time with direct voter contact.
Manny Houle, who has served in engagement and organizing roles for the DFL in Minnesota and is a current Victory Campaign Board Member, is volunteering to support field and organizing efforts.

Erin, My best friend. Erin is an ASUM senator at the University of Montana in Missoula. She is a community organizer as well and has been organizing around issues like women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equity. She is a strong advocate for her communities and I continue to be inspired by and impressed with her accomplishments.

The LGBTQ Victory Fund has not only endorsed my campaign but has supported fundraising efforts including one hosted in Washington, DC raising over $3,000. With a network of hundreds of donors, elected officials and community activists, Victory Fund has been a great source of campaign knowledge and wisdom to rely upon. I am also endorsed by RunForSomething

Jake Toyer
Melissa Romano

Agreed on 03-28-2022