Joel grew up in Deer Lodge, and graduated from Powell County High School. He attended Liberty University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in government: pre-law, and earned his law degree from the University of Montana.

Joel started his legal career at Netzer Law Office, P.C. in Sidney, Montana, after graduating from law school. He became a partner in the firm in 2018. In 2022, he continued his legal practice with Netzer, Krautter & Brown, P.C. in Billings, Montana. He cofounded the non-profit organization, Friends of the Montana Constitution.

Joel G. Krautter served as a state representative for Montana from 2019 to 2021, representing District 35. He was a member of the House Business & Labor Committee, Transportation Committee, and Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee. In 2021, he was appointed to the Lower Yellowstone River Advisory Committee of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Candidate website

Supports strengthening Montana's economy through robust agricultural sector, advocating for farmers and ranchers in areas such as meatpacking industry oversight, expanding international trade, and increasing local market shares. Recognized for his commitment to agriculture by state organizations.

Supports strengthening Montana's economy through robust agricultural sector, advocating for farmers and ranchers in areas such as meatpacking industry oversight, expanding international trade, and increasing local market shares. 

Supports strengthening Montana's agriculture, reallocating oil and gas tax revenue to producing regions, and enhancing mental health care solutions through consensus-building and common-sense policy-making.

Supports strengthening Montana's agriculture, reallocating oil and gas tax revenue to producing regions.

The candidate's website says, "Joel believes in fiscal responsibility and that Washington cannot continue to run trillion-dollar deficits with no end in sight... Joel supported a balanced budget in the state legislature and would work in Washington to rein in out-of-control spending and balance the budget, while still meeting our needs and bringing more federal tax dollars home to Montana."

As state representative, supported a balanced budget in the state legislature and "would work in Washington to rein in out-of-control spending and balance the budget, while still meeting our needs and bringing more federal tax dollars home to Montana."

- Supports strengthening Montana's economy through robust agricultural sector, advocating for farmers and ranchers in areas such as meatpacking industry oversight, expanding international trade, and increasing local market shares. 
- Supports strengthening Montana's agriculture, reallocating oil and gas tax revenue to producing regions.
- As state representative, supported a balanced budget in the state legislature and "would work in Washington to rein in out-of-control spending and balance the budget, while still meeting our needs and bringing more federal tax dollars home to Montana."

Economy

Joel Krautter: A lawyer and a fighter

Opposes abortion, but voted for House Bill 658 in the Montana legislature, which allows abortion to be performed in cases of rape and incest, and in some cases, funded by taxes. 

- Opposes abortion, but voted for House Bill 658 in the Montana legislature, which allows abortion to be performed in cases of rape and incest, and in some cases, funded by taxes. 

Healthcare

The candidate's website says, "Joel supports a secure U.S. border and believes it is both a matter of national security and public safety... An unsecure border places a strain on local law enforcement and taxpayers."

Supports a "secure U.S. border and believes it is both a matter of national security and public safety," saying that "an unsecure border places a strain on local law enforcement and taxpayers."

Supports upholding constitutional rights, including 2nd Amendment freedoms, as essential for a free society; has a legislative history of protecting these rights and intends to continue this advocacy as a Congressman for eastern and central Montana.

Opposes gun control and supports Second Amendment rights.

- Supports a "secure U.S. border and believes it is both a matter of national security and public safety," saying that "an unsecure border places a strain on local law enforcement and taxpayers."
- Opposes gun control and supports Second Amendment rights.

Public Safety

Krautter running for Montana's 2nd Congressional District

Believes Ukraine should be supported by the US, but that Europe should also do more. 

Believes Israel should "be able to go after those who attacked it," but that humanitarian aid needs to be delivered to those who need it. 

- Believes Ukraine should be supported by the US, but that Europe should also do more. 
- Believes Israel should "be able to go after those who attacked it," but that humanitarian aid needs to be delivered to those who need it. 

Foreign Policy and Immigration

As of June 16, 2025, Joel G. Krautter’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Voting & Elections

Education

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Joel G. Krautter

KRTV, Rehberg enters Montana's eastern district US House race

KTVH, Denny Rehberg

Ballotpedia, Denny Rehberg

Denny is from Billings. He studied at Montana State University but finished his bachelor's degree at Washington State University. He and his wife have two children and five grandchildren.

Denny is a cattle rancher and the owner of several fast food franchises, including Popeye's Chicken and Burger King. He previously worked as a legislative assistant for Montana Congressman Ron Marlenee and as an intern for the Montana State Legislature.

Montana Right Now, Fmr. MT Congressman Rehberg lays out campaign plans in an interview with NonStop Local

Denny Rehberg was previously a US Representative for Montana from 2000 to 2012. He ran for senator in 2012 but did not win.

Said, “You cannot continue to spend money that you don’t have, so the first thing you do to fix the economy is control spending.”

- Said, “You cannot continue to spend money that you don’t have, so the first thing you do to fix the economy is control spending.”

Opposes abortion and said, "Rape, incest, and life of the mother I understand. I’m not going to debate weeks and months and days and all of that. I’m pro-life."

- Opposes abortion and said, "Rape, incest, and life of the mother I understand. I’m not going to debate weeks and months and days and all of that. I’m pro-life."
- Wants to "support senior citizens."

As of June 16, 2025, Denny Rehberg’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Wants more border security.
- Supports Israel and Ukraine.

Denny Rehberg

Ed is a lifelong resident of Montana. He lives in Billings with his wife Kathleen. They have five children and three grandchildren. 

Ed has been a small business owner and worked in the energy industry. 

Montana Secretary of State, Federal Priamry 2024

Ed Walker served in the Montana State Senate from 2010 to 2015. According to his Twitter and Facebook, he suspended his campaign for House Representative in the second congressional district of Montana on April 5th. He has not officially withdrawn and will remain on the ballot. 

Said, "We must get our spiraling national debt under control... We need a balanced budget amendment and prioritize lowering our $35 trillion national debt."

The candidate's website says, "Additionally, Walker fought for, and was able to pass, legislation that required state agencies to run impact analysis studies on any new regulations imposed upon small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy- too often Government bureaucrats forget that."

As a State Senator, passed legislation that required state agencies to run impact analysis studies on any new regulations imposed upon small businesses. 

- Said, "We must get our spiraling national debt under control... We need a balanced budget amendment and prioritize lowering our $35 trillion national debt."
- As a State Senator, passed legislation that required state agencies to run impact analysis studies on any new regulations imposed upon small businesses. 

Said, "I am an unapologetic Pro-Life, Pro-2nd Amendment, Constitutional Conservative Christian. I believe in low taxes, limited government, and individual freedom. I will be a reliable, conservative voice in Washington, DC and will spend every day fighting for Montana values."

Said, "We must secure our borders, uphold the rule of law and reform our broken immigration system."

Believes President Biden's immigration policies have caused unprecedented border crises, increased illegal crossings, and heightened national security threats through drugs, criminals, and potential terrorists entering the U.S.

- Said, "We must secure our borders, uphold the rule of law and reform our broken immigration system."
- Believes President Biden's immigration policies have caused unprecedented border crises, increased illegal crossings, and heightened national security threats through drugs, criminals, and potential terrorists entering the U.S.

Believes Biden's energy policy fails by hindering US energy with pipeline closures and lease cancellations, impacting Montana. Advocates for oil and gas sector support to ensure energy independence through infrastructure investment and job creation.

Believes Biden's energy policy fails by hindering US energy with pipeline closures and lease cancellations. Advocates for oil and gas sector support to ensure energy independence through infrastructure investment and job creation.

- Believes Biden's energy policy fails by hindering US energy with pipeline closures and lease cancellations. Advocates for oil and gas sector support to ensure energy independence through infrastructure investment and job creation.

The candidate's website says, "Additionally, Walker serves as Montana’s State Chair for U.S. Term Limits. Walker wants to end the era of the career politicians who have spent us into $33 trillion in debt, and created the crisis on our southern border."

As of June 16, 2025, Ed Walker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ed Walker

Ballotpedia, Elsie Arntzen

Elsie has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Montana and a Bachelor of Science in education from Montana State University. She is a mother, a grandmother, and a native to Billings.

Elsie has served as the Montana superintendent of public instruction, a state senator, and a state representative. She is also a former educator.

Elsie Arntzen currently serves as the Montana superintendent of public instruction and has held this position since 2017. Previously, she served as a Montana state senator from 2013 to 2017 and a Montana house representative from 2005 to 2013.

Supports decreasing taxes and eliminating "unnecessary" regulations and believes this will lead to economic growth.

- Supports decreasing taxes and eliminating "unnecessary" regulations and believes this will lead to economic growth.
- Supports a balanced budget.

As of June 16, 2025, Elsie Arntzen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to close the southern border and "end the flow of illegals."

- Wants to close the southern border and "end the flow of illegals."

Wants to expand access and quality management in forests and public lands.

Advocates for the US becoming a net exporter of energy.

- Wants to expand access and quality management in forests and public lands.
- Advocates for the US becoming a net exporter of energy.

Opposes teaching sex-ed before the 6th grade.

Opposes the participation of transgender athletes in sports that correlate with their gender identity

- Opposes teaching sex-ed before the 6th grade.
- Opposes the participation of transgender athletes in sports that correlate with their gender identity

Elsie Arntzen

Ken has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Columbia University and a Master of Arts in global governance and public policy from Middlesex University. He was born and raised in southeast Montana.

Ken is a Montana State Senator. Previously, he worked in politics as a field representative, chief of staff, and regional political director. Ken served in the United States Marine Corps for four years.

Ken Bogner is a Montana State Senator. He was first elected in 2018. He ran for Montana lieutenant governor in 2019 alongside Dr. Al Olszewski for governor. 

Wants to pass a balanced budget amendment and stop sending money to foreign countries.

Wants to abolish the United States Federal Reserve System and "defend our privacy against government surveillance programs."

- Wants to pass a balanced budget amendment and stop sending money to foreign countries.
- Wants to abolish the United States Federal Reserve System and "defend our privacy against government surveillance programs."
- Opposed to increasing taxes.

As of June 16, 2025, Ken Bogner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports building the southern border wall; ending "catch and release," which is the practice of releasing a migrant to the community while he or she awaits hearings in immigration court; and deporting "illegals."

- Supports building the southern border wall; ending "catch and release," which is the practice of releasing a migrant to the community while he or she awaits hearings in immigration court; and deporting "illegals."

Youtube

Ken Bogner

Montana Free Press: Kyle Austin

Kyle has a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Montana and lives in Billings, Montana. 

Kyle is a pharmacist, farmer, and pilot. He is also the owner of pharm406 and Austin's Grain.

Billings Gazette: Pharmacist Austin brings medicine, farm background to House primary

Kyle Austin ran in the Republican primary for Montana's second congressional district in 2022, but did not win. He also ran for Montana State House in 2008, but did not win. 

Yellowstone Public Radio: Four Republicans aim to represent Montana's GOP-favored eastern congressional district

Proposes strengthening the FSA (Farm Service Agency), removing banks from the lending process, and allowing farmers and ranchers to access low interest short-term operating loans to support Montana's agricultural economy.

Said, "Montana needs to quash the Department of Environmental Quality, quash the Department of Labor, and put an end to Motor Carrier Services harassment without probable cause."

Said, "[we must] relax the environmental laws, build the mining and refining industry, create high paying jobs, purchase only American made products and impose bans on importation."

Proposes increasing interest rates to "slow down" the economy.

- Proposes strengthening the FSA (Farm Service Agency), removing banks from the lending process, and allowing farmers and ranchers to access low interest short-term operating loans to support Montana's agricultural economy.
- Said, "Montana needs to quash the Department of Environmental Quality, quash the Department of Labor, and put an end to Motor Carrier Services harassment without probable cause."
- Said, "[we must] relax the environmental laws, build the mining and refining industry, create high paying jobs, purchase only American made products and impose bans on importation."
- Proposes increasing interest rates to "slow down" the economy.

Proposes “The United States Health Plan Corporation” (USHPC)..., [which] will adjudicate all government and private plans... [and] consolidate programs to be more efficient and cost effective, create live billing and transparent reimbursement, eliminate deductibles..., and create a truly affordable plan with monthly premiums and copays for services."

Supports passing federal legislation that restricts access to abortion and clearly defines when it should be allowed.

Proposes an "offender" registry for abortions performed.

- Proposes “The United States Health Plan Corporation” (USHPC)..., [which] will adjudicate all government and private plans... [and] consolidate programs to be more efficient and cost effective, create live billing and transparent reimbursement, eliminate deductibles..., and create a truly affordable plan with monthly premiums and copays for services."
- Supports passing federal legislation that restricts access to abortion and clearly defines when it should be allowed.
- Proposes an "offender" registry for abortions performed.

As of June 16, 2025, Kyle Austin’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes a southern border wall is "a necessary tool for our border security."

- Believes a southern border wall is "a necessary tool for our border security."

Believes "Congress must have a proactive role in climate change to ensure we have food production for the world."

- Believes "Congress must have a proactive role in climate change to ensure we have food production for the world."

Kyle Austin

Ric is a graduate of Montana State University-Bozeman, where he earned a degree in business management with minors in business finance and business marketing. He and his wife have three children. He is a member of many Montana farm organizations, including the Montana Stockgrowers, Montana Farm Bureau, and Montana Woolgrowers Association. He is also a member of the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, as well as the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Ric has been operating a family ranch for 33 years.

Ric Holden previously served in the Montana State Senate for two terms from 1995 to 2002, serving as the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Vice Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He also served as chairman on the special select water rights committee.

Ric Holden Republican candidate for Montanas eastern US. House seat

Supports energy independence to reduce reliance on foreign oil, advocates for utilizing local resources like oil, coal, and natural gas in Eastern Montana to create jobs, and has been recognized for pro-business stances by the Montana Chamber of Commerce.

Believes that limited federal government involvement in agriculture is beneficial.

- Supports energy independence to reduce reliance on foreign oil, advocates for utilizing local resources like oil, coal, and natural gas in Eastern Montana to create jobs, and has been recognized for pro-business stances by the Montana Chamber of Commerce.
- Believes that limited federal government involvement in agriculture is beneficial.

Opposes abortion personally, but believes the issue of abortion should be "left to the states."

- Opposes abortion personally, but believes the issue of abortion should be "left to the states."

The candidate's website says, "Ric has always been a member of the National Rifle Association... He will defend our right to keep arms. Ric strongly believes that our second amendment is our ticket to keeping our freedom."

As a member of the NRA, opposes gun control and supports Second Amendment rights.

- As a member of the NRA, opposes gun control and supports Second Amendment rights.

Supports closing borders to illegal immigration, ending sanctuary city policies, deporting criminal non-citizens, and constructing a border wall to alleviate taxpayer burden and preserve opportunities for American youth.

Supports closing borders to illegal immigration, ending sanctuary city policies, deporting criminal non-citizens, and constructing a border wall.

- Supports closing borders to illegal immigration, ending sanctuary city policies, deporting criminal non-citizens, and constructing a border wall.

Said, "As Montanans we enjoy the freedom to hunt, fish and have access to public lands for enjoyment... Ric & Jan have always allowed public hunting and fishing on their Yellowstone River-bottom land."

Said, "As Montanans we enjoy the freedom to hunt, fish and have access to public lands for enjoyment" and "has always allowed public hunting and fishing on [his] Yellowstone River-bottom land."

- Said, "As Montanans we enjoy the freedom to hunt, fish and have access to public lands for enjoyment" and "has always allowed public hunting and fishing on [his] Yellowstone River-bottom land."

As of June 16, 2025, Ric Holden’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ric Holden

 Montana GOP Congressional Candidate Visits Montgomery For Christmas

Stacy graduated with her bachelor's degree from UT-Arlington and her master's degree from Texas Tech. Stacy is Montana's first female DEA RAC. She volunteers by giving drug-awareness presentations to K-12 students in Montana. Stacy lives with her husband and children in Billings. 

Stacy is a former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent. During that time, she worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate Mexican drug cartels. She then spent three years with the Foreign Deployed Advisory and Support Team (FAST) working to reduce opium trade in Afghanistan and in Peru on anti-drug interception programs before becoming Montana's DEA Resident Agent in Charge (RAC). Additionally, she has eight years of experience in the private security sector.  

Stacy Zinn's campaign for U.S. Representative is her first entry into politics.

Former DEA Agent Zinn latest to join race for 2nd Congressional District seat

The candidate's website says, "Delivering Tax Relief for Montana Families, Ranchers, and Employers"

Promises to deliver "tax relief for Montana families, ranchers, and employers."

The candidate's website says, "Balancing the Budget, Ending the Wasteful Spending"

Commited to creating a balanced budget and ending wasteful spending.

Promises to reduce inflation by changing the tax code and reducing regulation of businesses.

Promises to create economic stability for the middle class.

- Promises to deliver "tax relief for Montana families, ranchers, and employers."
- Commited to creating a balanced budget and ending wasteful spending.
- Promises to reduce inflation by changing the tax code and reducing regulation of businesses.
- Promises to create economic stability for the middle class.

The candidate's website says, "Mental health: Stacy recognizes the importance of mental health services. She plans to work towards accessible and effective mental health resources for all Montanans."

Promises to work towards "accessible and effective mental health resources for all Montanans."

Proposes addressing homelessness at both state and federal levels through collaborative efforts.

- Promises to work towards "accessible and effective mental health resources for all Montanans."
- Proposes addressing homelessness at both state and federal levels through collaborative efforts.

Why is Crime Increasing in Billings?

The candidate's website says, "Cracking Down on Drug Dealers and Human Trafficking"

Promises to address drug dealing and human trafficking. 

Wants to increase drug education for children.

Proposes increasing policing and security measures to address illegal drug use.

- Promises to address drug dealing and human trafficking. 
- Wants to increase drug education for children.
- Proposes increasing policing and security measures to address illegal drug use.

The candidate's website says, "Immigration: Balancing compassion with security, Stacy aims to find practical solutions that address immigration challenges."

Plans to balance "compassion with security" and "find practical solutions that address immigration challenges."

The candidate's website says, "Ending Catch and Release of Dangerous Criminals and Illegals"

Wants to end the practice of releasing criminals and undocumented immigrants. 

Said, "China and Russia have a mutual goal, which is the destruction of America."

Said, "I have dealt with a lot of foreign governments. I understand what we need to do to build bridges with our allies."

Wants more transparency on aid to Ukraine.

- Plans to balance "compassion with security" and "find practical solutions that address immigration challenges."
- Wants to reduce immigration.
- Wants to end the practice of releasing criminals and undocumented immigrants. 
- Supports Israel in the Israel-Gaza war.
- Said, "China and Russia have a mutual goal, which is the destruction of America."
- Said, "I have dealt with a lot of foreign governments. I understand what we need to do to build bridges with our allies."
- Wants more transparency on aid to Ukraine.
- Supports veterans.

Wants to decrease fuel and energy importations.

- Wants to decrease fuel and energy importations.

Opposes education on gender and sexuality.

- Opposes student loan forgiveness.
- Opposes education on gender and sexuality.

Stacy Zinn

Ballotpedia: Troy Downing

Troy was raised in Indio, California. He has a bachelor's in computer science from New York University. He and his wife have four children. and they live in Helena.

Troy is currently a partner at WildRye Distilling, which distributes products using Montana-grown corn and grain. He is also the chief executive officer at AC Self Storage Solutions, and the co-owner and advisor of DeFeet International. He was previously the manager at SAGE Insurance Servicing, technician at Yahoo!, Inc., an author at Waterside Productions, and the founder of WebCal, Inc. He served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard.

Troy Downing is currently  the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, State Auditor. He assumed office on January 4, 2021 and is serving his first term. He previoulst ran for U.S. Senate Montana in 2018 but did not win.

KTVH 

Believes agriculture is an important economic driver and a method to maintain control of food production.

Said, "We need to rein in spending and we need to increase productivity. We need to grow the economy, and those are the two that that come together to start closing that gap."

The candidate's website says, "As a member of the Board of Land Commissioners, Downing has voted to increase access to public lands and promote agriculture and natural resource development by approving timber sales, oil and gas leases, and agriculture projects that grow our economy and create high paying jobs. ..."

As a member of the Board of Land Commissioners, voted to increase access to public lands and promote agriculture and natural resource development by approving timber sales, oil and gas leases, and agriculture projects that grow the economy and create high paying jobs.

- Wants to reduce government spending.
- Believes agriculture is an important economic driver and a method to maintain control of food production.
- Said, "We need to rein in spending and we need to increase productivity. We need to grow the economy, and those are the two that that come together to start closing that gap."
- As a member of the Board of Land Commissioners, voted to increase access to public lands and promote agriculture and natural resource development by approving timber sales, oil and gas leases, and agriculture projects that grow the economy and create high paying jobs.

AOL, Montana State Auditor Troy Downing announces bid for 2nd Congressional District seat

Believes the growing issue with crime is tied to a need for stricter security at the southern border.

- Believes the growing issue with crime is tied to a need for stricter security at the southern border.
- Opposes gun control and supports Second Amendment rights.

Believes the southern border needs to be strengthened.

Said, "I stand by Israel - our strongest ally in a region filled with hatred for our way of life. "

- Believes the southern border needs to be strengthened.
- Said, "I stand by Israel - our strongest ally in a region filled with hatred for our way of life. "

Believes energy independence and continued production of oil, gas and coal is an important security issue.

- Believes energy independence and continued production of oil, gas and coal is an important security issue.

As of June 16, 2025, Troy Downing’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said, “We must keep the radical transgender agenda out of our classrooms, out of our military and out of women’s sports and bathrooms."

- Said, “We must keep the radical transgender agenda out of our classrooms, out of our military and out of women’s sports and bathrooms."

Troy Downing

- Your US Representative represents the interests of your district in the US House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress. Montana currently has 2 US Representatives.
- US Representatives can author, sponsor, debate, and vote on bills which become national law.
- Representatives may serve on congressional committees. Committees focus on certain areas of policy, such as transportation, education, or labor. They may also run for higher positions within their party, such as the Speaker of the House or Majority/Minority Leader.
- Representatives are elected to two-year terms. In order to hold this office, candidates must be a legal resident of Montana for at least seven years prior to their election. US Representatives are paid a salary of $174,000/year.