Dave is a rancher, welder, builder, machinist, and farmer, working on the same ranch in Philipsburg that has been in his family for three generations. He has also been involved in family and child rights advocacy for three decades, including testifying before legislatures and volunteering with shelters and women's groups.

Ballotpedia: Dave Kessler III

Dave Kesler III's campaign for state representative is his first entry into politics.

Candidate website

Plans to introduce legislation capping property tax hikes at half the inflation rate average over the past three years, opposing the doubling of this rate approved by the opponent in HB481.

Said, "I would also like to end the tax on Social Security... That’s money they’ve already paid taxes on... My opponent is dead set against ending the tax on Social Security income."

Plans to honor veterans with benefits including free vehicle license plates, hunting/fishing licenses, property tax relief, and tax exemption on retirement payments, reflecting deep respect and gratitude for their service.

Plans to give veterans benefits including free vehicle license plates, hunting/fishing licenses, property tax relief, and tax exemption on retirement payments.

- Plans to introduce legislation capping property tax hikes at half the inflation rate average over the past three years, opposing the doubling of this rate approved by the opponent in HB481.
- Wants to end the tax on Social Security.
- Plans to give veterans benefits including free vehicle license plates, hunting/fishing licenses, property tax relief, and tax exemption on retirement payments.

Economy

As of June 17, 2025, Dave Kesler III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Said, "We NEED a hospital for the mentally ill or indigent... I would propose an audit of the Montana State Hospital be conducted by the private hospitals... and an operating plan be drafted by them and implemented. I would be open to private management or even privatization of the State Hospital if the State can’t manage it feasibly."

Advocates for the creation of a hospital for the mentally ill. 

Said, "I do not support abortion. Abortion for convenience is murder. I would not vote to fund abortions with tax dollars or Medicaid, etc., as my opponent did (HB544)."

Opposes abortion, saying, "Abortion for convenience is murder."

The candidate's website says, "“Transitioning” is fast becoming a multi-billion dollar mutilation industry ... surgeries and hormonal treatments do nothing to lessen the disorder and in fact further damage the patients..."

Said, "'Transitioning' is fast becoming a multi-billion dollar mutilation industry ... surgeries and hormonal treatments do nothing to lessen the disorder and in fact further damage the patients..."

Calls for an audit of the Montana State Hospital conducted by private hospitals, saying, "I would be open to private management or even privatization of the State Hospital if the State can’t manage it feasibly."

- Advocates for the creation of a hospital for the mentally ill. 
- Opposes abortion, saying, "Abortion for convenience is murder."
- Said, "'Transitioning' is fast becoming a multi-billion dollar mutilation industry ... surgeries and hormonal treatments do nothing to lessen the disorder and in fact further damage the patients..."
- Calls for an audit of the Montana State Hospital conducted by private hospitals, saying, "I would be open to private management or even privatization of the State Hospital if the State can’t manage it feasibly."

Healthcare

Supports law enforcement and first responders, advocates for their protection from frivolous lawsuits, and believes in limited Qualified Immunity, excluding intentional rights violations.

Supports law enforcement and first responders, advocates for their protection from lawsuits, and believes in limited Qualified Immunity, excluding intentional rights violations.

Supports Second Amendment rights, opposes firearms registration and restrictions, and plans to vote for hunting, fishing, and trapping as constitutional rights, while backing local law enforcement to protect these liberties.

- Supports law enforcement and first responders, advocates for their protection from lawsuits, and believes in limited Qualified Immunity, excluding intentional rights violations.
- Supports Second Amendment rights, opposes firearms registration and restrictions, and plans to vote for hunting, fishing, and trapping as constitutional rights, while backing local law enforcement to protect these liberties.

Public Safety

Voting & Elections

Education

Facebook

Dave Kesler III

As of May 23, 2024, John Fitzpatrick did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

John Fitzpatrick (Montana)

John Fitzpatrick is currently the state representative for House District 76. He was elected in 2022 and is serving his first term. 

REP. JOHN FITZPATRICK (R) - HD77

Sponsored a bill to appropriate funds to local governments to maintain/repair government buildings on a partnered basis, where local governments match the money invested.

- Sponsored a bill to appropriate funds to local governments to maintain/repair government buildings on a partnered basis, where local governments match the money invested.

As of June 17, 2025, John Fitzpatrick did not have a website or any information online.

John Fitzpatrick

- Your State Representative participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 100 members of the Montana House of Representatives. The Montana House of Representatives is the lower house of the Montana State Legislature (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Representative drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Representative can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Representative is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- State Representatives are elected to a 2-year term. Individuals can serve no more than 8 years in a 16-year period.