Jerry is widowed, has 5 children, and lives outside Columbia Falls, Montana. Jerry attended Montana State University (MSU), the University of Montana, and Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC). 

Ballotpedia, Jerry O'Neil

Jerry has worked as a machinist, mechanic, toolmaker, woodworker, and manager at Retail Lumber Company. He is the owner of Mediator and Independent Paralegal.

Jerry O'Neil represented District 3 in the Montana House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. 

The Other State Supreme Court Race

Has not attended law school or been admitted to the Montana Bar.

Has experience as a mediator, paralegal, and tribal attorney, having practiced law only before the Blackfeet Tribal Court.

- Has not attended law school or been admitted to the Montana Bar.
- Has experience as a mediator, paralegal, and tribal attorney, having practiced law only before the Blackfeet Tribal Court.

Legal Experience

Engaged in a lawsuit against the Montana Supreme Court and the bar association arguing that the Montana Constitution’s requirement that a judge be “admitted to the practice of law in Montana for at least five years” is unconstitutional.

- Engaged in a lawsuit against the Montana Supreme Court and the bar association arguing that the Montana Constitution’s requirement that a judge be “admitted to the practice of law in Montana for at least five years” is unconstitutional.

Ethics & Conduct

As of June 17, 2025, Jerry O'Neil’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

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Jerry O'Neil

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Trellis, Judge Dan Wilson

Dan was raised in Billings. He received his bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and his law degree from University of Minnesota Law School. He and his wife have a daughter. 

Falthead Beacon, Supreme Court Candidate Dan Wilson Tells Voters He is Devoted ‘to the Game’

Dan previously worked as a justice of the peace in Flathead County Justice Court, an attorney at Measure, Robbin & Wilson,, a prosecutor in Kalispell, a deputy county attorney in the Cascade and Chinook counties, and a prosecutor in Great Falls.

Dan Wilson is currently the district court judge representing Flathead County, He was elected in 2017 and is serving his second term. 

Plans to leverage over twelve years of judicial experience from Flathead County to the Montana Supreme Court, following a vacancy announcement for 2024.

Has over twelve years of judicial experience from Flathead County.

Believes in comprehensive legal experience, encompassing representation in contract disputes, estate planning, property rights, various lawsuits, and criminal defense in Montana's state and federal courts since 1999.

Has about 10 years of experience with private practice, representing people and businesses on contract disputes, estate planning, property and easements, criminal charges, and other lawsuits.

Licensed to practice in Montana, the United States District Court for the District of Montana, and the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

- Has over twelve years of judicial experience from Flathead County.
- Has about 10 years of experience with private practice, representing people and businesses on contract disputes, estate planning, property and easements, criminal charges, and other lawsuits.
- Licensed to practice in Montana, the United States District Court for the District of Montana, and the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

As of June 17, 2025, Dan Wilson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Daily Inter Lake, New district judge steps up from justice court, says he's ready for challenges ahead

Planned to create a new drug court in Flathead County to address backlog issues with repeat drug offenders.

- Planned to create a new drug court in Flathead County to address backlog issues with repeat drug offenders.

Said, "I am honored to announce my candidacy for Associate Justice of the Montana Supreme Court. ... Throughout my career, I have been committed to upholding the rule of law ... If elected, I will bring my extensive experience ..."

Ccommitted to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of Montanans, and ensuring fair and impartial decisions.

Said, "The Supreme Court may only declare a legislative enactment to be unconstitutional if it is shown to be beyond a reasonable doubt that the legislation is in conflict with the constitution itself."

- Ccommitted to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of Montanans, and ensuring fair and impartial decisions.
- Said, "The Supreme Court may only declare a legislative enactment to be unconstitutional if it is shown to be beyond a reasonable doubt that the legislation is in conflict with the constitution itself."

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Dan Wilson

Katherine is a lifelong Montanan. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Montana.

Sidney Herald, Judge files for re-election

Katherine has served as a judge in Montana since 2003. Previously, she worked for the Montana State Auditor's Office as a staff attorney and a deputy securities commissioner and practiced privately for 12 years. 

Flathead Beacon, Supreme Court Candidate Bidegaray Vows to Protect Constitutional Rights at Flathead Campaign Events

Ballotpedia, Katherine M. Bidegaray

Katherine Bidegaray is a judge for Montana's seventh judicial district, serving her fourth term. She was first elected in 2002 and took office in 2003. She was retained by voters in 2008 and 2014. 

Has over 20 years of experience as a judge, including as a district court judge, where she oversaw hundreds of cases.

As a practicing lawyer, handled estate planning, agriculture, and family law.

Represented the Montana Insurance Department in administrative actions involving alleged licensing violations and unfair trade practices by insurance agents and companies and coordinated prosecution of violations of the Securities Act of Montana as a staff attorney at the Montana State Auditor's Office for three years.

Has a law degree from the University of Montana.

- Has over 20 years of experience as a judge, including as a district court judge, where she oversaw hundreds of cases.
- As a practicing lawyer, handled estate planning, agriculture, and family law.
- Represented the Montana Insurance Department in administrative actions involving alleged licensing violations and unfair trade practices by insurance agents and companies and coordinated prosecution of violations of the Securities Act of Montana as a staff attorney at the Montana State Auditor's Office for three years.
- Has a law degree from the University of Montana.

As of June 17, 2025, Katherine Bidegaray’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Katherine Bidegaray

- The Montana Supreme Court is very similar to the US Supreme Court. The Montana Supreme Court consists of seven judges and serves as the highest court in the state. This court is the final authority on interpreting the Montana Constitution.
- Supreme Court Justices handle appeals, which are reviews of lower court decisions that someone believes were incorrect or unfair. These cases can range from civil disputes to criminal convictions.
- Unlike lower courts, the Montana Supreme Court does not conduct trials with witnesses and juries. Instead, they focus on legal arguments and the application of law based on written briefs, and sometimes through structured oral arguments if further discussion is needed.
- The Justices work collaboratively, deciding cases as a group by majority vote and then issuing a written opinion to explain their decision. This collaborative process ensures a balanced and thoroughly considered judgment.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.