Endorsements
I am very honored and proud of these endorsements for Senate District 1. Some folks do not value endorsements, but I feel they have GREAT value as they are not given freely, lightly, nor without merit. I have known and worked directly with these folks in my tenure in the Montana House of Representatives.
They are the Salt of the Earth Conservative Republicans!

UPDATED!
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“Steve Gunderson is a solid conservative who has a proven record of supporting natural resource development and limiting government overreach while he was State Representative for District 1.
Steve was one of my “go to” representatives while I was making reforms as the State Auditor reducing spending and unnecessary regulations.
He has my complete support and endorsement as he runs for the Montana State Senate seat in District 1”.
Former US Congressman State of Montana
-Matt Rosendale-
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MT GOP
WHEREAS, the CGC reviewed all returned questionnaires and analyzed them based on the answers, and if from an incumbent upon their prior legislative records, in support of the Platform;
WHEREAS, CGC identified candidates in every Republican contested legislative race in the 2026 Primary Election; and
WHEREAS, the CGC determined the following Republican Senate and House candidates in contested races in the 2026 Primary Election demonstrated support of the Platform in their answers and/or legislative record “Honor Roll Candidates”:
SD01 Steve Gunderson Libby
Lincoln, Flathead
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“I personally endorse Steve Gunderson for Senate District 1”.
Chair Flathead County Republican Central Committee
Past Legislator
Current Candidate US House Montana Western District 1
-Al Olszewski-
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“Steve Gunderson has my endorsement for Senate District 1”.
Senate President
Past Speaker of the House
-Matt Regier-
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“This official endorsement was made by the Flathead County Republican Central Committee on Thursday, March 12th, 2026 and publicly announced on Saturday, March 14th 2026”.
FCRCC Communications Committee
-James Compton-
Kalispell, Montana
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“I served with Steve Gunderson in the legislature for 8 years. Steve was effective and decisive by promoting freedoms for all Montanans. He did this through sponsoring and voting for bills that called for less government spending and lower taxes. I would highly recommend voting for Steve Gunderson for Senate District 1”.
-Former State Senator Steve Hinebauch-
Wibaux, Montana
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“I have been involved with the Montana GOP for 40 years. I was also the wife of a State Senator for 8 years, as well as President of the Legislative Spouse Group. I was able to get to know Steve Gunderson, and his lovely wife, Cherie, during those 8 years by following his votes and lifestyle. Steve has a proven record of conservative voting, working for freedom for the people of Montana. I fully support Steve Gunderson for Senate for Senate District 1”.
-Beth Hinebauch- Former President of the Legislative Spouses Club
Wibaux, Montana
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“Steve Gunderson has my endorsement”
-Dan Bartel-
Lewiston, Montana
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Thank you for stepping up to run for office. It is not for everyone. It takes a lot of time, energy and work to get elected.
CONGRATS! You have officially been endorsed in your Primary Election by the Montana Freedom Caucus PAC.
Attached is our logo for you to use if you decide to announce your endorsement.
Work hard, good luck and WIN!
-Montana Freedom Caucus PAC-
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“Thank you for filing to run for a seat in the Montana Legislature.
We are pleased to recommend you as the preferred candidate in the primary election.
Best wishes in June.”
-Montanans for a Limited Government-
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Who Endorses me
For Senate District 1?
Testimonials
From Real Senate District 1 Voters!!
Steve Gunderson stepped up to help my family at a difficult time. We adopted 4 trauma-based children. A few years ago, the oldest had become too violent to have in our home. It was no longer safe for the other children or I. In going through the process, I was threatened with the loss of my job, due to the process. As the sole support of my family this was a stressful time. Steve stepped up to aid in this process. Because of this Steve and Jane Gillette introduced a new bill, to prevent this from happening to other families in this situation. I'm very thankful to Steve for his service and help to my family.
Deena Farris-Jellesed - Libby, MT
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I would like to thank Steve Gunderson for all his help with the CARD Clinic and the Libby Asbestos. Steve has always been there trying to get the help that is needed with many people in this town suffering from the effects of their exposure to the Libby Amphibole Asbestos. Steve has always been there fighting for us quietly in the background against the big businesses that don't want to pay for the cleanup or the exposure to this awful product that was shipped all over the United States. Even when he is not a Representative for the Government, he will still fight for what is right. My Husband and I both have Pleural Thickening from our exposure to the amphibole being in the ceiling of our house for 14 years, along with that, we both have numerous autoimmune diseases, and I am currently being tested for another. Our oldest daughter at the young age of 25 was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis {severe}. We don't have a history of that in either side of the family. Our youngest right now is clear, but she is just reaching the 30-year mark, fingers crossed she stays safe. I know that CARD is very important for this community for this time and for the future people who need someone with the knowledge to help them as they go thru the struggles of finding out they have this disease from the ceiling of their house and walking above the train tracks. I feel we need to keep CARD open so that people are not getting told they are fat and need a sleep study numerous times from a Pulmonologist who swore nothing was wrong with me besides that, fun fact, when they had to go in and scrap out my right lung after 8 months of very painful pleurisy they found the Amphibole fibers in my lungs.
We need more people like Steve Gunderson who will fight for our small community and all the people who are fighting for their next breathe or fighting with a autoimmune disease that they should not have gotten.
Therese Turman - Libby
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I had the opportunity to work with Steve when I was dealing with the frustration and bureaucracy of the unemployment system, and his help made an immediate difference. He cut through the red tape, understood how the system worked, and helped move things forward far faster than I could have on my own. Beyond helping me personally, I’ve watched Steve bring that same determination and persistence to community issues, whether advocating for families affected by Libby asbestos, standing up against harmful corporate liability legislation, or working on behalf of local citizens. He is someone who doesn’t back down from difficult fights and genuinely works to help people navigate complex systems and get results. I’m grateful for his help and proud to support the work he continues to do.
Jeff Sharp – Libby, MT
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Elect Steve Gunderson SD1 for the Montana Senate District 1
I have known Steve for a while now and know how much he cares about Libby, Lincoln County and NW Montana. He represented us well in the State House of Representatives and will do the same in the State Senate. He genuinely fights for us, be it, fighting for our forest management or his work on Libby Asbestos, ARP and working to kill the bad corporate liability bills. As a Veteran and a member of the NRA, he values your gun rights. He is a good man but will get scrappy when it is required. This is a man who will get things done and serve us with distinction in the Montana Senate.
Diana Hicks – Libby. MT
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I met Steve Gunderson back in 2017 in the halls of the State Capitol. He is a good man of integrity who gives his best effort on issues he is committed. Steve is a hardworking advocate for the best interests of Montana.
Raye Newmeyer - Helena
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Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Steve Gunderson in connection with asbestos outreach, education, and advocacy efforts for those affected in Lincoln County, Montana. This community has endured one of the most devastating man-made environmental disasters in the country, and the lasting impact on families here is profound.
Throughout this time, Steve has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of care and compassion for the people impacted. He has made himself available time and again—not just to hear concerns, but to truly listen and understand the needs of individuals and families who have lived, worked, or recreated in areas affected by asbestos exposure. I have personally spoken with him on several occasions, and each interaction has reflected his genuine commitment to ensuring our community has a voice.
Steve has been a strong and steady advocate for those affected by this tragedy. He shows up, follows through, and works to elevate awareness of the challenges facing our community. Whether it’s helping connect people with resources, participating in conversations, or supporting efforts that bring attention to ongoing needs, he has proven himself to be both responsive and dedicated.
What stands out most is his ability to approach this work with empathy while also taking meaningful action. He understands that behind every conversation is a person or family navigating real hardship, and he engages with that awareness at the forefront.
Based on my experience, Steve has been an important voice for the people of Lincoln County—someone who not only recognizes the significance of this disaster but continues to stand alongside those affected with compassion, respect, and a commitment to ensuring they are heard. His efforts on behalf of our community is why he will be receiving my personal vote and endorsement.
Curtis D. Brooner – Libby
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I have known Steve Gunderson for almost 50 years. He has worked with me for many, many of those years as a citizen advocate fighting for a return of our natural resource extraction economy. He has fought for our rights to fully access our public lands and return them to true Multiple Use as they were designed by the Framers. He has championed returning land back to “We the People” lost to the “recovery” of “endangered species”. He continued this advocacy during his tenure as our elected representative in Helena for just short of a decade. Steve is always accessible and accountable even if he is not currently elected! He is the true Bold Leadership that Lincoln County needs as our next Senator for SD1.
Colleen Snyder – Libby
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I've known Steve since the late 80's, as a business man, employer, and an advocate for the hard working people of this great state. He is uniquely qualified to stand up against big money outsiders ( and insiders ) that seek to change our way of life. The future of our well being depends on guys like Steve.
Moses Chupp – Yaak
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I’ve known Steve Gunderson for many years, and I trust him without hesitation. His character and integrity are second to none, and he brings a true “get it done” attitude to everything he takes on. Steve has dedicated countless hours to the Libby asbestos issue and was the founding member and sponsor of the legislation that created the Libby Asbestos Superfund Oversight Committee—an ongoing partnership between citizens, county, state, and the EPA that continues to protect our community. He is a true working legislator for the people of Lincoln County, and his values and morals reflect the spirit of Northwest Montana. I’m proud to support Steve for Montana Senate District 1.
Keith Taylor - Rexford
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I've been around Steve Gunderson since we were in Middle School. Steve has always been a friendly but serious minded person. One you can trust to do what he says. I like that fact that he took the time to listen carefully to an issue I had a couple of years back. With Steve you have a man of his word, and from the years he's been around North West Montana you know him to be a man of integrity. I'm glad to call him my friend.
Ron Adamson - Libby
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Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Steve Gunderson in connection with asbestos outreach, education, and advocacy efforts to support the families impacted here in Libby. Throughout that time, he has consistently made himself available to listen, truly listen, to the concerns of our community. He has attended meetings, returned call after call, and supported our efforts in numerous ways.
What stands out most is his willingness to engage thoughtfully and follow through in meaningful ways. Whether it’s helping connect us with key resources, amplifying awareness of the needs in our area, or showing up when support is needed, he has gone above and beyond what many would expect. His responsiveness and genuine interest in the well-being of those impacted by asbestos exposure have made a real difference.
I’ve especially appreciated his ability to bring people together and foster productive conversations that lead to tangible outcomes. That kind of leadership which is grounded in service, accessibility, and action, has had a positive impact for individuals and the broader Libby community.
Based on my experience, Steve has demonstrated a strong commitment to representing and supporting the people he serves even outside of elected office. His continued engagement and willingness to stay involved on issues that matter to communities like ours reflects the kind of leadership that makes a lasting and meaningful difference.
Tracy McNew – Libby
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I am writing to express my strong support for Steve Gunderson, a dedicated and committed candidate running for The State of Montana Senate District 1. Steve Gunderson has demonstrated a commitment, accountability and transparency to the well-being of South Lincoln County for many years as a state representative. In his tireless work addressing the Super fund asbestos site in Libby Montana and work with the Card Clinic that provides free screenings and support to those affected by asbestos, he has shown remarkable leadership in advocating for the health and safety of effected residents. Steve embodies the values of public service and championing causes that protect both people and our environment.
My name is Angie Goucher, I was born and raised in Libby Montana. I am subject to the catastrophic effects of exposure to asbestos from the mines operated by W.R. Grace and Company. Libby Montana has been deemed one of the worst industrial asbestos disasters in U.S. history and in 2002 the EPA declared Libby a Superfund site, conducting a massive long-term cleanup and declared it a public health emergency.
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with an Asbestos related disease, ARD lamellar pleural thickening of the lungs in 2023 by the Center for Asbestos (Card Clinic) located in Libby and have been part of the numerous lawsuits against W.R. Grace and others involved in this negligence that has affected the lives of many members of our community.
As a resident of Libby Montana and a person who has been affected by this horrific nightmare this beautiful small town has endured because of the negligence of many, I appreciate that Steve Gunderson continually fights for those who are impacted in our community not only in this area but many other areas. I have faith that Steve will continue to impact our county and the great State of Montana.
Steve is a true patriot, and I am honored to know him and thankful for his past accomplishments, especially being a part of the Libby Asbestos Superfund over site committee and Libby Card Clinic. I have no doubt He will continue to work to ensure the safety and well- being of the constituents he serves. He will have my vote indeed. Sincerely,
Angie Goucher -Libby
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To Whom It May Concern, May 3, 2026 | am a proud fifty-two-year-old Republican woman who has been a Lincoln County Montana resident now, for over 30 years; but | was born and raised rurally, North of Seattle in Snohomish County Washington. Growing up so close to Seattle, provided a front row seat to an enormous amount of corruption and unfair bureaucracy throughout our courts, as well as with our elected officials. My parents made an end-of-life decision to move to Lincoln County, Montana, after visiting many times, in 1990. They appreciated the beautiful scenery, as well as the slower, friendlier pace and overall culture of Lincoln County’s rural population. After visiting here, several times myself, | followed in late 1992. Not long afterwards, | had the pleasure of meeting Steve Gunderson. At the time, he was installing their latest form of news and entertainment; a satellite television dish system that they had recently purchased. Over the next few years, | got to know him well, as my mother was quick to request service whenever she had issues understanding what at the time, was brand new technology for my family. It was clear from the start, that he was a hardworking small businessman! Many times, both in business and social settings over the years, | have witnessed that Steve Gunderson was a very patient, kind, and honest family man. Steve has always been an honorable and considerate community minded neighbor; not because it was going to be profitable, nor because it was easy, rather because it was morally the “Right” thing to do! It has been and will continue to be my pleasure to cast my vote for Steve Gunderson! He is our friend, he is our neighbor; and | am confident that he will continue to stand up for the rights of his fellow countryman and represent us well, as a state Senator! Sincerely,
Angie Roeder -Troy
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