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John Looney Sr.

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
John Looney Sr.
Republican Party
Candidate, Montana House of Representatives District 81
Elections and appointments
Last election
November 5, 2024
Next election
June 2, 2026
Military
Service / branch
U.S. Army
Personal
Religion
Christian
Profession
Business owner
Contact
Personal Facebook

John Looney Sr. (Republican Party) is running for election to the Montana House of Representatives to represent District 81. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on June 2, 2026.[source]

Biography

John Looney Sr. served in the U.S. Army starting in 1993. His career experience includes working as a business owner. As of 2024, Looney Sr. was affiliated with the Montana Bail Agents Association and the National Association of Bail Agents.[1]

Elections

2026

See also: Montana House of Representatives elections, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on June 2, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 81

Janet Ellis (D), Ben Kuiper (D), and Craig Sundberg (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 81 on June 2, 2026.

Candidate
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Janet Ellis
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Ben Kuiper
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Craig Sundberg

There are no incumbents in this race.

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Republican primary

Republican primary for Montana House of Representatives District 81

John Looney Sr. (R) is running in the Republican primary for Montana House of Representatives District 81 on June 2, 2026.

Candidate
Image of John Looney Sr.
John Looney Sr.

There are no incumbents in this race.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2024

See also: Montana House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Montana House of Representatives District 82

Pete Elverum defeated John Looney Sr. in the general election for Montana House of Representatives District 82 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Pete Elverum
Pete Elverum (D)
 
54.9
 
2,990
Image of John Looney Sr.
John Looney Sr. (R) Candidate Connection
 
45.1
 
2,459

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 5,449
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 82

Pete Elverum defeated SK Rossi in the Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 82 on June 4, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Pete Elverum
Pete Elverum
 
54.0
 
926
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Submit photo
SK Rossi
 
46.0
 
789

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 1,715
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Montana House of Representatives District 82

John Looney Sr. advanced from the Republican primary for Montana House of Representatives District 82 on June 4, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of John Looney Sr.
John Looney Sr. Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
1,085

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 1,085
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Looney in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

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2024

Candidate Connection

John Looney Sr. completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Looney's responses.

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John J. Looney Sr. is a dedicated Montanan with a distinguished history of service to the country and community. Raised amidst the rugged beauty of Montana, Looney absorbed early the values of diligence, respect for nature, and community solidarity. His service journey commenced with the US Army in 1993, where he served with distinction in the 3rd Ranger Battalion. His military tenure, marked by leadership and dedication, seamlessly transitioned into a role as a military police officer, further deepening his commitment to law enforcement and justice. Moving into civilian life, Looney emerged as a successful entrepreneur, steering Bad Boy Bail Bonds to new heights and bolstering the local economy. Now, as a candidate for the Montana House of Representatives, District HD82, Looney envisions a Montana enriched with prosperity, safety, and opportunity for all its citizens, underpinned by values of integrity, leadership, and Montana's enduring spirit.
  • "Service and Leadership": With a rich background as a U.S. Army Ranger and law enforcement officer, John Looney epitomizes a life dedicated to service and leadership. He brings to the table an unwavering commitment to serve and lead with integrity, poised to effectively champion the interests and values of Montanans in HD82.
  • "Economic Prosperity and Community Support": As an astute business leader, Looney is well-versed in the economic challenges and prospects facing Montana. He is dedicated to driving economic growth, championing local enterprises, and securing opportunities for Montanans to prosper.
  • "Advocacy for Secured Bail and Public Safety": With extensive experience in law enforcement and as an advocate for Secured Bail, Looney is deeply committed to promoting fairness in the justice system, bolstering law enforcement, and enhancing the safety of Montana's communities.
John J. Looney Sr. holds deep passion for several public policy arenas, notably:

Economic Development and Small Business Support: He fervently advocates for policies that foster a nurturing environment for small businesses, driving Montana's economic prosperity.
Public Safety and Judicial Reform: Looney is committed to ensuring community safety and advocating for judicial reforms that render the criminal justice system more equitable and efficient.

Education and Family Empowerment: A staunch supporter of educational freedom and school choice, Looney champions policies that provide families with diverse educational options and support, ensuring access to quality education tailored to individual needs.
Beyond my family, I've always admired Ronald Reagan for his leadership, vision, and ability to communicate core conservative values in a way that resonated with so many Americans. His example of principled leadership and his steadfast belief in the greatness of our country are qualities I strive to embody in my own life and political career.
I recommend "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book emphasizes the importance of selfless leadership, a principle that deeply resonates with my approach to politics and service.
Integrity, leadership, and a commitment to service are paramount to me. Drawing from my military and law enforcement background, I emphasize the importance of honesty, accountability, and leading by example. It’s essential for an elected official to understand and respect the community they serve, ensuring actions and decisions always benefit the public.
Growing up in Montana, working on ranches, and participating in sports like hockey and rodeo taught me the values of hard work, teamwork, and resilience. These experiences, combined with a lifelong commitment to service and community, have equipped me with the leadership skills, determination, and empathy necessary to be an effective representative for the people of Montana.
Representing my constituents' interests faithfully, advocating for policies that enhance our community's well-being, and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance are core responsibilities. I also see fostering economic growth, supporting education, and ensuring public safety as fundamental duties.
I'd like to leave a legacy of positive impact—improving public safety, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of education in Montana. I want to be remembered as someone who dedicated their life to the service of others, making Montana a better place for future generations.
The first significant historical event I remember was the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster in 1986. I was 11 years old, and it was a sobering moment that highlighted both the risks and the courageous pursuit of exploration and discovery. It taught me the importance of resilience and the pursuit of greater goals, despite the challenges we face.
My first job was a true Montana experience—working on a local ranch, where I stretched miles of barbed wire and spent long days and nights in a combine. It was hard, rewarding work that taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of agriculture to our way of life. Later, I worked at the local gas station, pumping gas and washing windows for customers, a job that instilled in me the significance of service and community interaction.
My favorite book is "Brite and Fair," a nod to the values and tales that shaped my childhood, along with the Thornton Burgess books about forest animals. These stories filled my early years with a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
I'd choose Roland Deschain from Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series. His steadfastness, loyalty, and determination in the face of adversity are qualities that resonate with me, both personally and politically. Like Roland, I aim to be unwavering in my principles and commitments, navigating the complexities of leadership with a focus on the greater good for Montana.
"Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. It's one of those classic tunes that, once you hear it, sticks with you for days. It's also a great reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
Balancing my professional ambitions with personal and family time has been a struggle. My commitment to service and community engagement often requires sacrifices, but I continually strive to find that balance, ensuring I am present and supportive for my family.
A collaborative and respectful relationship, where both parties work together for the state's best interests. Open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to service should ground this cooperation.
Economic development, public safety, education reform, and healthcare accessibility are the greatest challenges. I am committed to tackling these through informed policy-making and innovative solutions.
Experience in government or politics is valuable, but diverse perspectives can enrich legislative decision-making. A balance between experienced legislators and newcomers with fresh ideas is ideal.
Absolutely. Building relationships with other legislators is crucial for fostering bipartisanship and effective governance. It helps in understanding different viewpoints, leading to more comprehensive policy solutions.
My current focus is wholly on serving the people of District HD82. Making a tangible difference at the state level is my priority, though I remain open to future opportunities to serve my community and state.
Speaking with a local veteran struggling with the healthcare system deeply affected me, reinforcing my commitment to improving veterans' services and healthcare access. Such stories motivate my service and policy goals.
The legislature should play a role in overseeing and granting emergency powers to ensure they are used judiciously and transparently. Oversight maintains democratic checks and balances, especially in crises.
My first bill would aim to enhance support for small businesses, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering growth. This reflects my commitment to economic prosperity for all Montanans.
Committees related to veterans' affairs, economic development, public safety, and education interest me the most. My background equips me uniquely to address the challenges and opportunities in these areas.
I hold financial transparency and government accountability in the highest regard. They are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring resources are used efficiently. I advocate for strong oversight mechanisms and making information accessible to keep the public informed.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

John Looney Sr. campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024Montana House of Representatives District 82Lost general$17,651 $0
Grand total$17,651 $0
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Election Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 15, 2024


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