Another Montana Republican running for governor has named his running mate. At a rally in Billings Sunday, Gianforte said he’s choosing Great Falls-based attorney Kristen Juras, who he said has helped farmers, ranchers and small businesses navigate red tape in Montana.
“She’ll be a partner in the governor’s office as we put Montana back on the right track,” he said at the event.
Juras is a fourth-generation Montanan who grew up on a ranch near Conrad. She’s worked in law for more than 30 years and ran unsuccessfully for Montana Supreme Court in 2016.
“Before Greg called me, I had actually announced to my family and my friends that I was retiring from my legal practice,” she said. “That phone call brought me out of retirement. I am excited about running as his lieutenant governor and working with him to make Montana an even better last best place.”
Gianforte is Montana’s current representative in U.S. Congress. This is his second run for governor after losing in 2016 to Democrat Steve Bullock. This year, Gianforte is running against state Attorney General Tim Fox and state legislator Al Olszewski in the Republican primary race for governor.
Democrats businesswoman Whitney Williams and current Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney are also vying for the seat. Montana’s primaries are June 2.
