Wilson the best choice for Montana’s business climate
Judge Dan Wilson has earned the confidence of Montana’s largest and oldest business advocacy organization, the Montana Chamber of Commerce.
The Montana Supreme Court race is one of the most consequential races this year and is certain to draw millions of dollars in spending. It is a race that deserves the attention that matches the impact on Montana’s economy.
The Montana Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates in statewide partisan races. The Montana Supreme Court race is the only endorsement this organized business voice will offer in 2026 and that speaks to the significance of this contest to businesses, economic development and Montana’s future business climate
When developing our strategic plan to improve Montana’s economy nearly 10 years ago, business leaders across the state of Montana were frustrated by a judicial system they viewed as harmful to Montana’s business climate. Enough so that “judicial climate” was listed along with taxes and regulations as a headwind to creating a stronger economy in the Big Sky state.
Business leaders understand an inequitable ruling in court is every bit as harmful to the general business climate as raising taxes or creating onerous regulations.
Electing fair, impartial, and balanced judicial candidates to the Montana Supreme Court is critical to ensure we have an independent, reasoned and stable judicial climate in Montana. It is foundational to a healthy business climate that grows an economy.
It is appropriate that the state’s largest business advocacy organization, the Montana Chamber of Commerce, invests the time and energy in these races so business leaders have information relevant to them and their livelihoods.
The Montana Chamber of Commerce board of eirectors take the responsibility of endorsing (or not endorsing) Supreme Court candidates seriously. Our endorsement comes after a committee of attorneys and retired judges interviewed both candidates, evaluated their temperament, applicable rulings and ability to be fair and unbiased in the decision-making process.
It is important to know that the Montana Chamber of Commerce focused the interviews, deliberations and ultimately the endorsement, solely on business related issues. Certainly, you will hear from environmental groups, labor, trial attorneys, First and Second amendment special interests, and others, advancing their candidate of choice based on their specific interest.
The race for Montana Supreme Court will get hot, noisy and probably confusing as it gets closer to November. To large extent, you can learn a lot about a candidate by their endorsements and financial backers. For those who place a high priority in economic and business issues, the Montana Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse Judge Dan Wilson for Montana Supreme Court.
Todd O’Hair is president/CEO of Montana Chamber of Commerce.