Gianforte announces running mate

Greg Gianforte, Republican candidate for Montana governor, named Lesley Robinson as his choice for Lieutenant Governor in this year’s election.

“When you combine Montana work ethic with good leadership, anything is possible,” Gianforte said at a press conference Monday. “I have the privilege of introducing you to someone today who embodies both of those principles. She’s got the work ethic you’d expect from a Hi Line rancher. And she’s a strong leader, a fierce advocate for rural Montana. But most important, she’s a diplomat with a servant’s heart. That woman is Phillips County Commissioner Lesley Robinson.”

Robinson, a rancher born and raised in Malta, was first elected to the Phillips County Commission in 2005. In 2014 she was elected President of the Western Interstate Region Board for the National Association of Counties. In 2015, she was elected to serve as the western region’s representative on the organization’s executive board. She also served on the association’s Public Lands Committee.

In addition to her elected work, Robinson has also served on the Bear Paw Development Corporation, PhillCo Economic Growth Council, Phillips Transit Authority, Malta Area Chamber of Commerce, Phillips County Cattlewomen/Livestock Association, Montana Farm Bureau and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She also serves as vice chair of the Joint Powers Trust Board.

Robinson said her lifetime of experience as a rancher in a county with a heavy percentage of federal lands ownership gives her great insight into the issues facing all of Montana, especially the northwest.

“Well, as a rancher, as someone who has served as a county commissioner and as someone who has served as a board member for the Montana Stockgrowers Association – among many other groups – I think it is vital that we have someone in leadership in Helena who understands rural issues, and it’s vital that we have someone who understands local and county governments,” she said. “Fifty-one percent of our land in Phillips County is owned by the government. What does that mean? One government decision, one regulation could literally shut down a large portion of our community. And the unfortunate reality is that eastern Montana isn’t alone. I’ve worked with commissioners all across Montana, particularly northwest Montana, who are facing the same challenges.”

Gianforte, as of Monday, March 7, is the only Republican candidate registered to challenge Montana’s incumbent governor, Steve Bullock. Should another candidate file before the March 14 deadline, a primary election will be held June 7. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 8.