Biography
Tia Nelson is the Democratic candidate for the Montana House of Representatives, District 84, in the November 3, 2026 general election. A veterinarian, she won the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary over Jamie Van Valkenburg and faces Republican Roy Caldwell.[1][2]
Tia Nelson earned a high school diploma from Great Falls High School, a degree from the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 1999, and a bachelor's degree from Carroll College in 2015, according to Ballotpedia.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, she said she has lived in Montana since the mid-1960s, has spent most of her adult life in the greater Helena area, and has owned businesses as a veterinarian, farrier and rancher.[2]
Nelson defeated Jamie Van Valkenburg in the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary, 52.0 percent to 48.0 percent.[1] In the survey, she listed protecting public lands, human rights and preserving voting by mail as her key campaign messages, and said she also cares about Medicare for all and changes to the tax system.[2]
- 1.Tia Nelson · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Tia Nelson - 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 84
Tia Nelson is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Montana House District 84 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.