2016 Montana gubernatorial election

none related races 2016 United States gubernatorial elections January 2025 September 2023 2016 Montana gubernatorial election Montana presidential no 2012 Montana gubernatorial election 2012 2020 Montana gubernatorial election 2020 November 8, 2016 File:Steve Bullock.jpg 150x150px Steve Bullock Democratic Party (United States) Mike Cooney 255,933 50.25% File:Greg Gianforte (cropped 2).jpg Greg Gianforte Republican Party (United States) Lesley Robinson 236,115 46.35% 300px County results 300px Precinct results 1 300px Bullock: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%Gianforte: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% #A80000 >90% #808080 No votes Governor Steve Bullock Democratic Party (United States) Steve Bullock Democratic Party (United States) 74.44%2.26https://sosmt.gov/elections/voter-turnout/ Montana Voter Turnout Montana Secretary of State - Christi Jacobsen February 22, 2018 2022-05-26 The 2016 Montana gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 2016, to elect the governor and lieutenant governor of Montana, concurrently with the presidential election, as well as elections to the United States Senate and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic governor Steve Bullock won re-election to a second term in office with 50.3% of the vote by a 3.9% margin, defeating Republican Greg Gianforte, who later won Montana's governorship in 2020 when Bullock was term-limited. In the concurrent presidential election, Hillary Clinton lost Montana by more than 20%, with Bullock thus over-performing her vote share by more than 14% and her margin of defeat by more than 24%. As of 2026, this is the most recent election where a Democrat won the Governor's office and/or a state level office. Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Steve Bullock, incumbent governor Running mate: Mike Cooney, incumbent lieutenant governorhttp://www.ktvq.com/story/31354697/bullock-files-for-re-election-for-governor Bullock files for re-election for governor March 1, 2016 March 2, 2016 Mike Dennison KTVQ https://web.archive.org/web/20160302111133/http://www.ktvq.com/story/31354697/bullock-files-for-re-election-for-governor March 2, 2016 dead Eliminated in primary Bill McChesney, former state representativehttp://helenair.com/news/state-and-regional/former-legislator-steps-into-democratic-governor-s-race/article_4e58af50-86c3-5cd7-b1fb-fd84dc5da18b.html Former legislator steps into Democratic governor's race Independent Record March 12, 2016 March 12, 2016February 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Running mate: Mike Anderson Results Democratic primary results Steve Bullock (incumbent) Democratic Party (United States) 109,450 91.3% Bill McChesney Democratic Party (United States) 10,486 8.7% 119,936 100.0% Republican primary Candidates Nominee Greg Gianforte, founder of RightNow Technologies and conservative activistAG Tim Fox files paperwork for re-election in 2016 http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/politics/ag-tim-fox-files-paperwork-for-re-election-in/article_f16024e0-6b98-11e4-b30f-8f66281cf801.html November 15, 2014 The Bozeman Daily Chronicle November 13, 2014http://mtstandard.com/news/local/gianforte-files-exploratory-papers-for-governor/article_31c2b307-1629-5d42-84a2-7079fd9cb52f.html Gianforte files exploratory papers for governor The Montana Standard McCumber David August 17, 2015 August 18, 2015http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/gianforte-officially-launches-campaign-for-montana-governor/article_1c9f607e-196b-52e5-a4c6-9ff80ea5e5a0.html The Missoulian Gianforte officially launches campaign for Montana governor January 20, 2016 January 20, 2016 Bobby Calvin Running mate: Lesley Robinson, Phillips County Commissioner Eliminated in primary Terry Nelson, planning administrator for Ravalli County, Montanahttp://www.kpax.com/story/31469562/nelson-jumps-into-montana-gubernatorial-race Nelson jumps into Montana gubernatorial race Dennis Bragg 2017-03-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20170306135504/http://www.kpax.com/story/31469562/nelson-jumps-into-montana-gubernatorial-race 2017-03-06 dead Running mate: Niki Sardot Withdrawn Brad Johnson, chairman of the Montana Public Service Commission and former secretary of state of Montanahttp://billingsgazette.com/news/government-and-politics/brad-johnson-drops-out-of-race-for-montana-governor/article_0de4c7c4-2e7a-5f0f-9388-fef02e20022d.html Brad Johnson drops out of race for Montana governor Billings Gazette January 27, 2016 January 28, 2016 Mark Perea, businessman and nominee for the state senate in 2012http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/politics/first-contestant-enters-gop-gubernatorial-field/article_a80be001-bb47-5681-bd23-c97aa7e88916.html First contestant enters GOP gubernatorial field Bozeman Daily Chronicle February 1, 2015 February 3, 2015 Troy Carter February 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150205022335/http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/politics/first-contestant-enters-gop-gubernatorial-field/article_a80be001-bb47-5681-bd23-c97aa7e88916.html dead (did not file) Declined Taylor Brown, state senatorhttp://www.northernbroadcasting.com/Talk/FlintReportHeadlines/tabid/519/ID/12478/Report-Taylor-Brown-Doesnt-Rule-Out-Run-for-Governor.aspx Report: Taylor Brown Doesn't Rule Out Run for Governor Northern Broadcasting System Flint Aaron January 26, 2015 March 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402215458/http://www.northernbroadcasting.com/Talk/FlintReportHeadlines/tabid/519/ID/12478/Report-Taylor-Brown-Doesnt-Rule-Out-Run-for-Governor.aspx April 2, 2015 dead Jeff Essman, state representative and former president of the State Senatehttp://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-democrats-seats-defend-2015-2016-governors-races.html Democrats Have More Seats to Defend in 2015-2016 Governors Races Governing Jacobson Louis January 23, 2015 March 24, 2015 Tim Fox, Attorney General of Montana (running for re-election) Ryan Zinke, U.S. representative (running for re-election) Endorsements Greg Gianforte U.S. senators Conrad Burns, former U.S. senatorhttp://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/montana-attorney-general-tim-fox-former-governors-endorse-gianforte-robinson-ticket Former US Senator Conrad Burns, Former US Reps Rehberg, Hill, and Marlenee Endorse Gianforte-Robinson Ticket Greg Gianforte for Montana April 12, 2016 October 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161023211351/http://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/montana-attorney-general-tim-fox-former-governors-endorse-gianforte-robinson-ticket October 23, 2016 dead Steve Daines, U.S. senatorhttp://www.fairfieldsuntimes.com/business/article_6a1dab5a-fb67-11e5-9f4a-bbe69b8eb203.html Daines, Zinke Endorse Greg Gianforte, Lesley Robinson For Gov., Lt. Gov. Of Montana Fairfield Sun Times April 5, 2016May 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes State officials Tim Fox, Attorney General of Montanahttp://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/montana-attorney-general-tim-fox-former-governors-endorse-gianforte-robinson-ticket Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, Former Governors Endorse Gianforte-Robinson Ticket Greg Gianforte for Montana April 11, 2016 October 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161023211351/http://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/montana-attorney-general-tim-fox-former-governors-endorse-gianforte-robinson-ticket October 23, 2016 dead Rick Hill, former U.S. representative and 2012 GOP gubernatorial nominee Ron Marlenee, former U.S. representative Judy Martz, former governor of Montana Marc Racicot, former governor of Montana Denny Rehberg, former U.S. representative Stan Stephens, former governor of Montana Ryan Zinke, U.S. representative Organizations Montana Chamber of Commercehttp://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/gianforterobinson-land-endorsement-montana-chamber-commerce GIANFORTE/ROBINSON LAND ENDORSEMENT FROM MONTANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE National Federation of Independent Business June 17, 2016 October 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161023202911/http://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/gianforterobinson-land-endorsement-montana-chamber-commerce October 23, 2016 dead Montana Farm Bureau Federationhttp://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/montana-attorney-general-tim-fox-former-governors-endorse-gianforte-robinson-ticket Gianforte-Robinson Land Important Endorsement in 2016 Election, AG is Montana's Number One Industry Greg Gianforte for Montana April 21, 2016 October 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161023211351/http://www.gregformontana.com/posts/news/montana-attorney-general-tim-fox-former-governors-endorse-gianforte-robinson-ticket October 23, 2016 dead National Federation of Independent Businesshttp://www.nfib.com/content/news/elections/nfib-endorses-greg-gianforte-for-governor-74977/ NFIB Endorses Greg Gianforte for Governor National Federation of Independent Business August 16, 2016 Results Republican primary results Greg Gianforte Republican Party (United States) 109,882 76.4% Terry Nelson Republican Party (United States) 33,987 23.6% 143,869 100.0% Third parties Independent Declared Christopher Zarcone Libertarian Declared Ted Dunlap, perennial candidatehttp://helenair.com/news/politics/state/libertarian-from-conner-running-for-governor/article_bab483a7-7dd8-5748-8842-af7fb7ce981a.html Independent Record Libertarian from Conner running for governor March 20, 2016 August 11, 2016 Perry Backus Running mate: Ron Vandevender, perennial candidate Withdrew Ron Vandevender, perennial candidate General election Debates Complete video of debate, September 19, 2016 - C-SPAN Endorsements Greg Gianforte Governors Marc Racicot, Montana (former)Endorsements http://www.gregformontana.com/endorsements gregformontana.com October 30, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161030075113/http://gregformontana.com/endorsements October 30, 2016 dead Judy Martz, Montana (former) State officials Tim Fox, Montana Attorney General U.S. senators Steve Daines, Montana Conrad Burns, Montana (former) (deceased) U.S. representatives Rick Hill, Montana's at-large congressional district (former) Ron Marlenee, Montana's 2nd congressional district (former) Denny Rehberg, Montana's at-large congressional district (former) Ryan Zinke, Montana's at-large congressional district Organizations Gun Owners of America Montana Chamber of Commerce Montana Farm Bureau Federation PAC National Federation of Independent Business National Rifle Association of America Susan B. Anthony List Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2016 Governor Race ratings https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/governor-race-ratings/139364 The Cook Political Report October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181015115045/https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/governor-race-ratings/139364 October 15, 2018 live Lean D August 12, 2016 Daily KosElections 2015-16 https://elections.dailykos.com/app/elections/2016/office/governor Daily Kos October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181015114617/https://elections.dailykos.com/app/elections/2016/office/governor dead Lean D November 8, 2016 Rothenberg Political ReportGubernatorial Ratings http://www.insideelections.com/ratings/governor/2016-gubernatorial-ratings-november-3-2016 The Rothenberg Political Report October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20170612232401/http://www.insideelections.com/ratings/governor/2016-gubernatorial-ratings-november-3-2016 June 12, 2017 live Lean D November 3, 2016 Sabato's Crystal BallOur Final 2016 picks http://crystalball.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/our-final-2016-picks/ Sabato's Crystal Ball October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181015114619/http://crystalball.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/our-final-2016-picks/ dead Lean D November 7, 2016 Real Clear Politics2016 Election Maps - 2016 Governor Races https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/governor/2016_elections_governor_map.html Real Clear Politics October 15, 2018 Lean D November 1, 2016 Governinghttp://www.governing.com/governor-races-2016 2016 Governors Races Ratings & News Governing Magazine October 28, 2016 October 27, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161027090343/http://www.governing.com/governor-races-2016 dead Tossup October 27, 2016 Polling {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;" |- valign= bottom ! Poll source ! Date(s)administered ! Samplesize ! Margin oferror ! style="width:100px;"| SteveBullock (D) ! style="width:100px;"| GregGianforte (R) ! style="width:100px;"| TedDunlap (L) ! Undecided |- |SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey | align=center| November 1–7, 2016 | align=center| 449 | align=center| ± 4.6% | align=center| 44% | align=center| 46% | align=center| 7% | align=center| 3% |- |SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey | align=center| October 31–November 6, 2016 | align=center| 410 | align=center| ± 4.6% | align=center| 45% | align=center| 44% | align=center| 8% | align=center| 3% |- |SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey | align=center| October 28–November 3, 2016 | align=center| 403 | align=center| ± 4.6% | align=center| 46% | align=center| 46% | align=center| 7% | align=center| 1% |- |SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey | align=center| October 27–November 2, 2016 | align=center| 376 | align=center| ± 4.6% | align=center| 48% | align=center| 43% | align=center| 7% | align=center| 2% |- |SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey | align=center| October 26–November 1, 2016 | align=center| 385 | align=center| ± 4.6% | align=center| 51% | align=center| 41% | align=center| 7% | align=center| 1% |- |SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey | align=center| October 25–31, 2016 | align=center| 405 | align=center| ± 4.6% | align=center| 53% | align=center| 39% | align=center| 7% | align=center| 1% |- |Mason-DixonMason-Dixon | align=center| October 10–12, 2016 | align=center| 1,003 | align=center| ± 3.2% | align=center| 47% | align=center| 45% | align=center| 2% | align=center| 6% |- |Montana State University BillingsMontana State University Billings | align=center| October 3–10, 2016 | align=center| 590 | align=center| ± 4.0% | align=center| 44% | align=center| 32% | align=center| 3% | align=center| 20% |- background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); with Ryan Zinke Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SteveBullock (D) RyanZinke (R) Other UndecidedGravis MarketingGravis Marketing February 24–25, 2015 1,035 ± 3% 44% 44% — 11%Gravis Marketing November 24–25, 2014 836 ± 3% 41% 49% — 10% with Tim Fox Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SteveBullock (D) TimFox (R) Other UndecidedGravis Marketing February 24–25, 2015 1,035 ± 3% 46% 38% — 16%Gravis Marketing November 24–25, 2014 836 ± 3% 41% 45% — 14%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling July 20–22, 2013 741 ± 4% 46% 43% — 11% Results 2016 Montana gubernatorial electionhttps://sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/attachments/2016GeneralStatewideCanvass.pdf?dt=1494348815885&dt=1494348873534&dt=1497553987845&dt=1497555053569&dt=1497555121034&dt=1497555299184&dt=1497892315130&dt=1519325848767 2016 General Election Montana Secretary of State January 5, 2017 Steve Bullock (incumbent) Democratic Party (United States) 255,933 50.25% +1.35% Greg Gianforte Republican Party (United States) 236,115 46.35% -0.99% Ted Dunlap Libertarian Party (United States) 17,312 3.40% -0.36% 509,360 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Park (largest city: Livingston) References External links Official campaign websites (archived) Steve Bullock (D) for Governor Greg Gianforte (R) for Governor Ron Vandevender (L) for Governor 2016 Montana Category:2016 elections in Montana Category:Steve Bullock (American politician) Category:November 2016 in the United States