Missoula County Commission appoints Morigeau to state Senate

MISSOULA (AP) — County commissioners in Montana have unanimously voted to appoint Shane Morigeau to the state Senate on Tuesday after he lost a bid this year to become the state auditor.

Morigeau is expected to carry out the remainder of Democrat Nate McConnell's term after he resigned Nov. 5 to care for his children, the Missoulian reported.

Morigeau served two terms as the representative for House District 95 and said he looks forward to the new job. He will serve through Dec. 31, 2022.

"I'm no stranger to the Legislature. I'm excited to get to work and continue to strengthen relationships and do the work that people expect of us, to put the hyper-partisanship aside and focus on working on behalf of Montanans to create jobs and opportunity in the state," Morigeau said.

Morigeau said his work has revolved around getting people access to healthcare and education and to increase employment. He has been a lawyer for 10 years and is a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes.

Morigeau was one of three candidates interviewed by the commission. The others were Briana Lamb, a longtime activist for missing and murdered indigenous women, and Monica Tranel, a lawyer who lost her race this month to represent District No. 4 on the Montana Public Service Commission.

Commissioners said most public comments favored Morigeau and Tranel.

Morigeau will have the opportunity to run for the seat in the November 2022 election. The winner of the election will serve the standard four-year term starting Jan. 1, 2023.