Biography
Steve Gunderson is the Republican candidate for the Montana State Senate, District 1, in the November 3, 2026 general election, having advanced from the Republican primary on June 2, 2026.[1][3] He served in the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 1, from 2017 to January 2025.[1]
Steve Gunderson graduated from Libby High School and served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1978 to 1986.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he has lived in Libby since 1969 and was a citizen advocate for natural resource jobs for almost 20 years before running for the House.[2]
Gunderson assumed office in the Montana House in 2017 and left office on January 6, 2025, after not running for re-election in 2024.[1] Ballotpedia lists him on the House Business and Labor, Local Government, Natural Resources and Rules committees at points between 2017 and 2024, including as Natural Resources chair in 2021-2022 and 2023-2024.[1] He said in the survey that he served four terms in the House.[2]
Gunderson's survey answers emphasize jobs, including rebuilding the local sawmill in Lincoln County and a return of mining.[2] He also said that property taxes should not force seniors out of their homes and that tax and assessment reform are necessary.[2]
- 1.Steve Gunderson - Ballotpedia · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Steve Gunderson - Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
- 3.Montana State Senate elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia Reference
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Montana Senate District 1
Steve Gunderson is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Montana Senate District 1 as R. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.