Biography
Chris Bechtold is the Democratic candidate for the Montana House of Representatives, District 17, in the November 3, 2026 general election, where he faces Republican Justin Cleveland; no incumbent is seeking the seat.[1][2] Ballotpedia lists his profession as rancher.[2]
Chris Bechtold earned a high school diploma from Alton High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in 1993.[2] In a Ballotpedia survey, he described himself as a retired ranch manager and small business owner in Choteau who has a biology degree, raised four children in the Choteau school system, and has spent 33 years along the Rocky Mountain Front working as a mule packer, guide, rancher and small businessman.[3]
Bechtold advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026, receiving 631 votes as the only candidate on the ballot.[2] In the survey, he listed three key messages: representing working Montanans rather than out-of-state interests, providing a future for young people so they can stay in Montana, and responsible stewardship of water and land.[3] He named natural resources and tax equality as the policy areas he is most passionate about.[3]
- 1.Montana House of Representatives elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Chris Bechtold · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.Chris Bechtold - Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2026) · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Montana House District 17
Chris Bechtold is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Montana House District 17 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.