Kalispell attorney exits state AG race

Local bankruptcy attorney Jim Cossitt announced his withdrawal from the race for Montana attorney general on Tuesday.

Cossitt was seeking the Democratic nomination. He entered the race in early August.

“For a wide range of reasons, I’ve decided not to run for the office of Montana Attorney General. My campaign is concluded and will not conduct any further activity,” Cossitt said in a statement to the press.

“Many thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. I was not fully aware or underestimated the size, scope and complexity of what a statewide campaign entails,” Cossitt said in a written statement.

He added that he needed to “put family life first,” as he sold his house in Kalispell and is moving to Coram with his girlfriend. He also established a second residence in his native Iowa and took on a new position there.

Cossitt ran to represent Montana House District 7 in 2018 but lost to incumbent Republican Frank Garner.

Cossitt’s exit from the race leaves state Rep. Kimberly Dudik, D-Frenchtown, and Raph Greybill, Gov. Steve Bullock’s chief legal counsel, as the two Democrats in the race.