A message from Legislative Candidate Janet Ellis:
I am pleased to announce that I am currently running to represent House District 81 in the Montana Legislature, which I previously served from 2015 to 2018. Although I am now in the Montana Senate, term limits prevent me from running for reelection in that body. If elected, I will use my 10 years of experience, strong work ethic, and know-how to work towards making Helena and all of Montana an even greater place.
Helena is my home. I married here. My husband and I raised our son here. Living in a community where there is quality public education, open space, and caring neighbors has been a privilege. I want to ensure families can continue to experience the same quality of life we have been able to over the years.
During my six sessions as a legislator, my focus has been on the state budget. From 2021 to 2025 this work included serving as Minority Vice Chair of Senate Finance & Claims. In the 2025 Legislature (Montana’s most recent session) I also served on the State Administration Committee (which oversees elections, public employee pensions, veteran issues, and more) and on the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
During 2025-2026, my interim committee work includes 5 committees, including Legislative Finance (which oversees the state budget), Modernization and Risk Assessment Committee (fondly known as MARA) (which looks at data trends in the state on a variety of issues), the Communication Advisory Commission (which oversees broadband internet installation with federal infrastructure money), the Interim Budget Committee on Natural Resources and Transportation (which oversees budgets for certain state agencies) and the Western Montana Conservation Commission (which oversees aquatic invasive species and other water quality issues).
Whether in committee or on the floor of the legislature, I see my role as making sure the state works for you while also working to protect our land, air, and water. My commitment today remains the same as it did when I first ran for the legislature: to be an effective advocate for the values Helenans care about—quality education, access to healthcare, affordability of food and housing, assuring fair and open elections, protecting the environment, and improving the economy. I continue to work hard to represent you every day.
For your information: as mentioned above, my 4-year Senate term ends in December 2026. Because of term limits, I am no longer eligible to run as a Senator. That said, I currently have decided run for the Montana House of Representatives in House District 81—because a critical lesson I have learned is experience matters.