Article Summary –
At a Republican fundraiser, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte presented himself as a different type of Republican, focusing on fiscal responsibility, business-friendly policies, and efficient state government operations rather than on national hot-button issues. Despite advancing many conservative policies in his first term, Gianforte’s approach has led to some criticism and a primary challenge from the right flank of the GOP. Gianforte is running for re-election against Tanner Smith, a self-identified hardline conservative, in an upcoming primary that may reveal the extent of dissatisfaction within the Montana GOP.
Montana Governor Gianforte’s Re-election Campaign Highlights Fissures in GOP
A Republican fundraiser held in Missoula, Montana in late April highlighted the internal tensions within the party. Speakers including Donald Trump Jr., Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, and Congressman Ryan Zinke rallied the crowd with strident conservative talking points. However, when incumbent Republican Governor Greg Gianforte took the stage, his approach was more moderate.
Gianforte discussed his accomplishments in office, such as running state government with a ‘customer service’ mindset, an approach informed by his entrepreneurial background, including founding a billion-dollar tech company in Bozeman. He emphasized fiscal responsibility, spending down a $2.5 billion budget surplus by paying off state debt, providing residents with tax rebates, and bolstering the state’s rainy day funds.
Although Gianforte’s social media feeds occasionally feature inflammatory rhetoric, his in-person speeches present him as a pragmatic, business-friendly, and fiscally responsible conservative. This differs from many of his fellow Republicans, who often utilize polarizing rhetoric to mobilize voters. Gianforte’s more moderate stance and policy disagreements within his party have led to pushback from conservative Republicans, with some even labeling him a RINO (Republican In Name Only).
Despite this criticism, Gianforte has advanced many conservative policies during his first term, including abortion restrictions, tax cuts, new voting requirements, and curbs on transgender rights. However, his frequent confrontations with GOP lawmakers and local officials over policies such as property taxes have increased tensions within the party.
His endorsement of moderate, Solutions Caucus-aligned candidates over hardline conservatives in some races has further angered the party’s right wing. Former state lawmaker Al Olszewski denounced Gianforte’s endorsement strategy as favoritism by powerful party figures.
In contrast, Gianforte’s Republican allies dismiss these criticisms as minor complaints from frustrated lawmakers. Polling data shows that while Gianforte’s approval rating among Republicans has dropped slightly, his net approval from independents has increased.
In the upcoming primary election, Gianforte faces a challenge from Tanner Smith, a Republican state representative campaigning as the ‘real’ conservative candidate. Although Smith has significantly less campaign funding, he has attracted endorsements from some local GOP groups. A strong performance by Smith could indicate deeper dissatisfaction with Gianforte’s more moderate conservatism within the Montana GOP.
In contrast to the fiery rhetoric of Smith and other hardline Republicans, Gianforte’s campaign focuses on economic growth, fiscal conservatism, and smart investment of state funds. His endorsements reflect these priorities, as he has backed candidates who he believes can help him continue a pro-jobs, pro-growth, pro-family agenda.
However, some Republicans, such as lawmaker Ed Butcher, view Gianforte’s approach as elitist and out of touch with more rural, less affluent party members. Butcher predicts that despite these internal tensions, Gianforte’s incumbent advantage will likely secure him a win in the primary. However, he anticipates that the battle over who best embodies conservative values within the Montana GOP will continue beyond the primary.
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