Candidates enter Flathead County races

Several candidates filed by Wednesday’s deadline to run for elected positions in Flathead County.  

Four candidates are running for county commissioner. Incumbent Republican Brad Abell is seeking reelection for a second term. Whitefish builder Casey Malmquist has filed to run as an independent. 

Democrats Nathan Dugan and Colton Little will face off in the June primary in the race for commissioner. Dugan is a physical therapist and Little is a student at Flathead Valley Community College.  

Incumbent Republican Sheriff Brian Heino faces newcomer fellow Republican Evie Cahalen in the primary to decide who will appear on the November ballot. Heino is seeking his third term, while this is Cahalen’s first run for county sheriff.  

Republican candidates Cheryl Hohman and Sheena Sterling are seeking the position of clerk and recorder. Incumbent Republican Debbie Pierson did not file for the election.  

Hohman works managing land records for the county. Sterling is the manager in the clerk and recorder office.  

Justice of the Peace Tim Wenz is seeking to retain his seat on the bench against challenger Angela Ream in the nonpartisan election. Wenz was appointed in 2025 to fill a vacancy. Ream is an executive legal assistant.  

Republican Tricia Haverkorn, who is the accounting supervisor in the county treasurer’s office, is the sole candidate running for county treasurer. Incumbent Republican Adele Krantz is not seeking reelection.  

County Attorney Travis Ahner has filed seeking a third term, and Marcia Stolfus has filed to continue as the county superintendent of schools. Both are Republicans and are running unopposed.  

Justice of the Peace Eric Hummel is also unopposed in seeking reelection to the nonpartisan position.  

The primary election is June 2, and the general election is Nov. 3.