Montana Voters to Fill Supreme Court Seat November 3
Judges Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson are vying to succeed retiring Montana Supreme Court Justice Beth Baker.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Law
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Montana voters will head to the polls on November 3 to select a new Supreme Court justice from among candidates Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson. The winner will fill the seat currently held by Justice Beth Baker, who is retiring from the court.
Why it matters
The Montana Supreme Court plays a crucial role in deciding state-level cases concerning abortion access, voting rights, and environmental protections. Additionally, voters will decide whether to enshrine nonpartisan judicial elections into the state constitution.
This election features two sitting District Court judges competing for one seat, with voters also deciding on a constitutional change to mandate nonpartisan judicial elections. The winner replaces Justice Beth Baker.
The players
Amy Eddy
She has served as a District Court judge since 2015 and is seeking a seat on the Montana Supreme Court.
Dan Wilson
He has served as a District Court judge since 2017 and is campaigning for the open seat on the state's highest court.
Beth Baker
She is the incumbent Montana Supreme Court justice whose retirement prompted this election.
The details
Candidates Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson both currently serve as District Court judges in Flathead County. Wilson has secured support from the Republican Party, while Eddy has earned endorsements from various labor and conservation organizations.
Timeline
Amy Eddy began her tenure as a District Court judge in 2015.
Dan Wilson began his tenure as a District Court judge in 2017.
The Montana Supreme Court election will take place on November 3.
Political Context
The proposed ballot measure regarding judicial elections directly addresses the structural requirements for how judges are selected under the Montana Constitution. This vote marks a potential expansion of the requirements currently established by the state's governing document.
The outcome of this election will directly shape the composition of the state's highest court and its future rulings on abortion and voting access. Additionally, voters' choice on the constitutional amendment will dictate the future structure of judicial elections in the state.
The takeaway
Voters should review the candidate platforms and the specific ballot language regarding the constitutional amendment before arriving at their polling location. Engaging with local nonpartisan guides can provide clarity on the roles of the Montana Supreme Court in shaping state policy.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing legislative and judicial proceedings on the Montana Law page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Montana.
Live Poll
Do you believe state judicial elections should be strictly nonpartisan?
