Montana Senate Republicans choose party leaders for 2025 session

Nov. 15—HELENA, Mont. — Republicans serving in the incoming State Senate caucused Tuesday and chose the Senate’s leadership for the upcoming 2025 legislative session.

Senate Republicans elected Senator Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, to serve as the next President of the Senate. Regier was the Speaker of the House in the 2023 legislative session.

“It’s an honor to serve as the next President of the Senate,” Regier said. “I look forward to working with senators on passing a conservative balanced budget, giving Montanans tax relief, and preserving the Montana way of life for future generations.”

Republican senators elected Senator Ken Bogner, R-Miles City, as the next Senate President Pro Tempore, which can be thought of as the “vice president” of the Senate. Bogner also served as Pro Tempore in the 2023 session and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I’m excited to continue in my role as President Pro Tempore,” Bogner said. “It’s a privilege to serve the people of Montana and help make the 2025 Legislature productive and successful for our constituents.”

Senate Republicans chose Senator Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, as their Majority Leader. McGillvray previously served as House Majority Leader in the 2011 session.

“I’m honored to have the support of my fellow Republicans and I look forward to accomplishing our conservative agenda that the people of Montana overwhelmingly supported on Election Day,” McGillvray said. “We will keep working hard to make Montana the most free and fiscally responsible state in the republic.”

Republican senators also chose Sens. Dennis Lenz, Barry Usher, Sue Vinton, and Daniel Zolnikov as Majority Whips and elected senators to serve on the Committee on Committees, the Senate leadership committee charged with making committee assignments.

Lenz and Usher were Senate whips in the 2023 session. Vinton was House Majority Leader and Zolnikov served on Committee on Committees in the 2023 session.

Legislators of both parties in both the House and Senate will continue meeting at the State Capitol this week to iron out committee assignments, participate in legislator orientation, and prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

The 69th Montana Legislature will be sworn in and begin the next legislative session on Jan. 6, 2025.