Funseth and Graham to Vie for House District 21 Seat
Great Falls voters will decide between attorney Trevor Funseth and veteran Lela Graham on November 3.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Elections
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Great Falls residents head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a representative for House District 21. Attorney Trevor Funseth and military veteran Lela Graham are competing for the open seat following the primary defeat of incumbent Ed Buttrey.
Why it matters
The race follows the primary loss of Ed Buttrey in June 2026, leaving the seat open for a new representative. This contest will determine leadership for the district covering northern Great Falls, Riverview, Valley View, and Black Eagle.
This is Lela Graham's 3rd campaign for the House District 21 seat, which encompasses northern Great Falls, Riverview, Valley View, and Black Eagle. The district's political landscape shifted after Ed Buttrey was defeated in the June 2026 Republican primary.
The players
Trevor Funseth
Trevor Funseth is a local attorney and a native of the Great Falls area.
Lela Graham
Lela Graham is a military veteran and former political campaign staffer.
Ed Buttrey
Ed Buttrey is the former holder of the House District 21 seat who was defeated in the 2026 primary.
The details
Trevor Funseth, a native of Great Falls and an attorney, is facing off against Lela Graham, who is a military veteran with experience working on political campaigns. The district serves a diverse set of neighborhoods in the Great Falls area.
Timeline
Ed Buttrey lost the Republican primary in June 2026.
Ballots were mailed to voters on October 9, 2026.
Election day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the current legislative direction argue that fresh leadership is required to address regional needs in Great Falls. Conversely, supporters of the candidates emphasize that the upcoming election is a critical step in maintaining representation consistent with the Montana Legislature's biennial redistricting process.
The result of this election will determine who represents northern Great Falls, Riverview, Valley View, and Black Eagle in the state house. Residents have already received their ballots, which were mailed out on October 9, and must ensure they are returned by election day.
The takeaway
Voters in House District 21 have the chance to shape local representation as the district moves on from its previous leadership. Citizens should ensure their mailed ballots are prepared and submitted ahead of the November 3 deadline.
What happens next
Voters are scheduled to cast their final ballots on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local races, visit the Great Falls Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRTV NEWS Great Falls.
Live Poll
Does tax reform matter more to you than expanded healthcare access in your local district election?
