On Tuesday night, Bozeman, MT— Montana Governor Greg Gianforte triumphed in his 2024 re-election bid. He smashed Democratic challenger Ryan Busse by a substantial margin, winning 59.5% of the vote vs. 38.1%.

This victory solidifies Gianforte’s leadership in a state that values personal freedoms and conservative principles. Gianforte’s win marks not only his continued leadership for another four years but also a decisive pro-Second Amendment stance in Montana, a state known for its deep-rooted support of gun rights and outdoor traditions.

Gianforte, Montana’s first Republican governor in over a decade, ran on a record of economic success, responsible budgeting, and traditional values. His administration had taken steps to reduce income and business taxes, issue tax rebates, and pay down state debt using Montana’s $2.6 billion budget surplus from pandemic-related funds. These actions earned him praise among Montana voters as he positioned himself as a governor focused on financial responsibility and reducing government intervention in Montanans’ lives. In addition, Gianforte has championed measures to expand public land access, address affordable housing issues, and invest in the state’s behavioral health infrastructure.

During his victory speech, Gianforte emphasized his commitment to Montana’s prosperity and independence, expressing gratitude for the chance to continue his work.

“Four years ago, I promised to create more good-paying jobs so we could stop exporting our kids, and to protect our Montana way of life. And folks, we did just that,” he stated to a crowd of supporters. His focus on job growth and keeping Montanans working and living within the state resonated, especially among voters who feel strongly about preserving Montana’s rugged independence.

Losers Keep Losing

In stark contrast, Ryan Busse campaigned on progressive values, including “responsible” gun ownership(aka: gun control), advocating for abortion rights, and increasing taxes.

A former firearms executive turned gun-control advocate, Busse faced significant challenges appealing to the state’s pro-gun electorate. His past affiliations with groups like Giffords and his advisory role on gun policy for the Biden administration proved polarizing. Although he tried to spin himself as a moderate on gun issues, even appearing in ads shooting a rifle, many voters viewed Busse’s stance on gun rights as insincere. His approach failed to overcome the distrust surrounding his previous support for restrictive gun policies, with some Montanans seeing him as out of touch with their pro-Second Amendment culture.

In debates and campaign speeches, Busse attempted to critique Gianforte’s wealth and policies as benefiting the rich, highlighting what he described as the governor’s failure to curb rising housing costs and property taxes affecting Montana families. However, these attacks did little to sway the majority of voters, who largely viewed Gianforte’s fiscal policies and record on personal freedoms as aligning more closely with their values.

As one voter put it, “We don’t need someone who’s going to compromise our rights in exchange for policies from Washington.”

This decisive win for Gianforte also reflects broader political sentiments in Montana, with Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke winning his reelection bid the same night. Zinke, who narrowly defeated his Democratic opponent Monica Tranel, shared his commitment to addressing inflation, border security, and Montana’s economic strength. Both Gianforte and Zinke’s victories reflect a strong, consistent message from Montana residents: they want leaders who protect their freedoms, uphold fiscal responsibility, and respect the independent, conservative identity of the state.

For pro-gun advocates, Gianforte’s blowout victory over Busse is seen as a clear endorsement of Montana’s stance on the Second Amendment.

The race brought to the forefront the state’s resistance to out-of-state gun control advocates who attempt to influence Montana politics. Reflecting on the result, many in Montana’s firearm community see this election as a confirmation that pro-gun values continue to hold sway in Big Sky Country.

As Gianforte enters his second term, he faces a continued Republican supermajority in the state legislature, positioning him to advance a conservative agenda on issues ranging from abortion restrictions to state judicial appointments. For Montana’s pro-freedom and Second Amendment supporters, Gianforte’s victory signals another four years of policies that align with their values and beliefs, while Democratic challengers face an uphill battle convincing Montana voters that they understand and represent the state’s traditional values.