Smith Files For State Senate Seat

A former local Montana House member has announced her desire to represent the area in the State Senate.

Bridget Smith of Wolf Point filed on March 1 for the Senate District 16 election. The Democrat will face Jonathan Windy Boy of Box Elder in the primary election.

Smith served in the Montana House for eight years before being term-limited out. She then was defeated in a close Senate race against Mike Fox.

“I want to bring jobs to eastern Montana,” Smith said about her decision to run for election.

Another reason was to provide a voice for eastern Montana residents.

“We don’t have enough representation in eastern Montana,” Smith said. “I’m a squeaky wheel.’

She says education is a priority for her. She noted education doesn’t just need more funding, but it needs solutions.

She will also work to protect property owners’ rights.

During her time in the House, she served as vice chair for the Fish, Wildlife and Parks and transportation committees. She also was on the taxation committee.

Accomplishments included securing coal funds to pay for water pipelines in eastern Montana.

“I thought that was important,” she noted.

Smith feels her experience is will be beneficial if she gets elected.

“I know what they’re doing now,” Smith said of the legislative process. “I have institutional knowledge.”

Her experience includes being able to work with members of the opposite party to get things done.

“They like me because I don’t play games,” Smith said. “Eastern Montana always gets the short end of the stick, and I want to fix that.”