Montana Supreme Court Candidate Endorsements

Montana Senior Vote Action Fund Endorses

Judge Jerry Lynch and Judge Katherine Bidegaray

for Two Open Seats on the Montana Supreme Court

Dear Members of Big Sky 55+,

Montana’s wonderful 1972 Constitution, which Big Sky 55+ strongly supports and advocates for, is only as good and strong as the Judicial Branch that guards our liberties and upholds the basic rule of law across all branches of government.  

With legislative and executive branches that have, in recent years, repeatedly and brazenly ridden roughshod over the liberties and rights enshrined in our Constitution - right to privacy, access to a quality public education, open government and open meetings - it is critically important that Montanans understand what is at stake in the coming election for two openings on the Montana Supreme Court: Chief Justice and Associate Justice.

Our Montana Senior Vote Action Fund is endorsing and recommending to you Judge Jerry Lynch of Butte and Judge Katherine Bidegaray of Sidney (see below for more details).

Montana’s Constitution is on the ballot in 2024, resting on the outcome of these races. Judge Lynch and Judge Bidegaray are two candidates that we know we can entrust with the high calling to uphold and defend our Constitution.

In solidarity,

Terry Minow, Chair

Big Sky 55+

Judge Jerry Lynch

Montana Senior Vote Action Fund has endorsed jurist Jerry Lynch for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court in the 2024 election. Known for his integrity and commitment to justice, with a background as a federal magistrate, Judge Lynch brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the law. He can be entrusted to uphold and defend the independence, impartiality and integrity of Montana’s Supreme Court and Montana’s judicial branch. Judge Lynch grew up in Butte and has served 28 years as a Federal Magistrate Judge, which uniquely suits him to lead Montana’s highest court.

In his own words:

On Separation of Powers:

“Separation of powers” refers to the fundamental structure of our constitutional government: it means that the powers of the government to make, enforce, and interpret laws are each held by a separate branch of the government. I believe this tripartite system is one of America’s greatest contributions to the world. It ensures that a representative body of citizens debates and passes generally applicable laws, and that a smaller executive can take decisive action when needed and not get bogged down by committee rule, and it means that neither of the first two branches can stray from the constitution or infringe on individual rights when making or enforcing laws.

On the rule of law:

The “rule of law” is an alternative to the “rule of man.” In other words, our government is constituted not by a king and his moods or wishes but by a body of written law that the people via their representatives can change. Rule is important—we must have rules if we are to live together in harmony. And law is important—the rules must be knowable, accessible, and not changeable by a single person.

On Montana’s Constitution:

I have only one purpose: to protect the 1972 Montana State Constitution. It has withstood the test of time, having been written in a truly non-partisan manner and approved overwhelmingly by Montana voters. The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education and many, many more rights. These Constitutional rights are the result of rejecting a long heritage of desecrating corporate control of Montana and our resources and embracing a sustainable, bright future for the Big Sky State, our children and our future generations.

For more on Judge Lynch, visit his campaign page. 

Judge Katherine Bidegaray

Montana Senior Vote Action Fund has endorsed jurist Katherine Bidegaray for Associate Justice of the Montana Supreme Court in the 2024 election.

Seventh* Judicial District Judge Katherine Bidegaray’s legal career spans more than 38 years, including 16 years practicing law before being elected to the bench. Her career is marked by a breadth of experiences that distinctively qualify her for the Supreme Court. As a practicing lawyer, she handled intricate legal matters across a spectrum of fields, including estate planning, agriculture, administrative, and family law. As a District Court Judge, she adjudicated hundreds of cases, gaining in-depth insight into the profound influence of the law on Montanans' lives. (*The 7th Judicial District incorporates Richland, Dawson, Prairie, McCone, and Wibaux Counties.)

Judge Bidegaray is a leader in establishing treatment courts carving out pathways for rehabilitation for individuals battling addiction. She is a defender of public lands and public education, acknowledging their vital contribution to the prosperity of Montana.

Judge Bidegaray grew up on a farm/ranch in northeastern Montana and is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Law.

In her own words:

On the unique attributes of the Montana Constitution:

The … Montana Constitution specifies the following individual rights not specified in the U.S. Constitution: the right to a clean and healthful environment; the right to pursue life’s basic necessities; the right to individual dignity; the right of participation; the right to know; the right of privacy; the right to bear arms in defense of your own home, person, and property; the right to equality of educational opportunity; and the right of access to public land and water. Also, the Montana Constitution recognizes the unique cultural heritage of the American Indians. Finally, it requires the Legislature to administer and enforce the duty to maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations, and to protect the public from and educate the public about harmful and unfair practices by corporations, individuals, or associations, whether they are from within the country or abroad.

On Judges’ obligation to improve public understanding of the courts:

[J]udges must help the public to better understand courts and the judiciary’s crucial role in ensuring that just laws are followed to keep our communities safe. Additionally, it is important to educate people that, if the legislative or executive branches of government exceed their powers, the judiciary has the duty to correct such an abuse of power. A well-informed public, together with a judiciary that performs its duties, are essential for a healthy democracy.

For more on Judge Bidegaray, visit her campaign page.

PAID FOR BY BIG SKY 55+ 

Big Sky 55+
PO Box 1462
Helena, MT 59624
United States

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