Republicans retain control of Montana Legislature in election

HELENA (AP) — Republican majorities appear to be safe in the Montana House and Senate with many races still to be decided.

GOP leaders sought to protect their 32-18 majority over Democrats in the Senate, and their 59-41 advantage in the House.

With the votes still being counted on Wednesday, an Associated Press analysis found that Democrats could pick up a couple of seats in each chamber, but not enough to take control from the GOP.

Republican Joe Read picked up a seat for the GOP, House District 93 in western Montana, which is being vacated by Democrat John Fleming.

Lawmakers will travel to Helena on Nov. 14 for orientation and the legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 7.