Lewis and Clark County, Montana

Montana House District 81

2 candidates are tracked for Montana House District 81 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Janet Ellis and John J. Looney Sr.. Candidate information follows official Lewis and Clark County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Janet Ellis (Democratic), John J. Looney Sr. (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Montana House District 81. The state's list marks no incumbent for this seat. Party nominees were chosen at the June 2, 2026 primary, per the Montana Secretary of State's 2026 candidate list.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.

Montana › Lewis and Clark County › Montana House District 81

Janet Ellis

Democratic

Top priorities

Supports careful state budget management and fiscal oversight
Supports quality public education
Supports healthcare access and affordable housing and food

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Janet has served in the Montana Legislature since 2015 and has lived in Helena for more than 35 years, per the campaign site. She served as minority vice chair of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee from 2021 to 2025 and is now running for House District 81, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

John J. Looney Sr.

Republican

Top priorities

Making the justice system fair and accountable for victims and all Montanans
Education freedom and parental rights
Lower taxes and responsible government spending

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Looney has seven years of experience in law enforcement and decades of experience working in the courts, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotMontana House District 82

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Montana House District 81 in 2026?

When is the Montana House District 81 election in Montana?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Montana are on the Montana election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Lewis and Clark County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Lewis and Clark County and state election office filings, last verified September 25, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Montana election office, or see the full Lewis and Clark County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Lewis and Clark County ballot

15 tracked races in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Montana House District 83 Montana House District 84 Lewis and Clark County Sheriff-Coroner See all 15 Lewis and Clark County races

Candidate profiles

Janet Ellis, full profile John J. Looney Sr., full profile Official Montana election office