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Katherine M. Bidegaray
2025 - Present
2032
0
Katherine M. Bidegaray is a judge of the Montana Supreme Court. She assumed office on January 1, 2025. Her current term ends on December 31, 2032.
Bidegaray ran for election for judge of the Montana Supreme Court. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Bidegaray completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Katherine M. Bidegaray was born in Sidney, Montana. She earned a high school diploma from Culbertson High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in 1982, and a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law in 1985. Her career experience includes working as a judge. Prior to her election to the bench, Bidegaray was an attorney in private practice. She worked for the Montana State Auditor’s Office for about 3 years after graduating law school. There she served as a staff attorney for the Montana Insurance Department, and then as deputy securities commissioner.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: Montana Supreme Court elections, 2024
General election
General election for Montana Supreme Court
Katherine M. Bidegaray defeated Dan Wilson in the general election for Montana Supreme Court on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Katherine M. Bidegaray (Nonpartisan)  | 54.1 | 299,480 |
 | Dan Wilson (Nonpartisan) | 45.9 | 254,294 | |
| Total votes: 553,774 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Montana Supreme Court
Katherine M. Bidegaray and Dan Wilson defeated Jerry O'Neil in the primary for Montana Supreme Court on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Katherine M. Bidegaray (Nonpartisan) | 48.6 | 127,301 |
| ✔ | | Dan Wilson (Nonpartisan) | 34.6 | 90,563 |
 | Jerry O'Neil (Nonpartisan) | 16.8 | 44,058 | |
| Total votes: 261,922 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John Morrison (Nonpartisan)
Election campaign finance
Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the Commissioner of Political Practices. Click here to access those reports.
Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[3][4][5]
If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add, email us.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bidegaray in this election.
2014
See also: Montana judicial elections, 2014
Bidegaray ran for re-election to the 7th Judicial District Court.
Primary: She was successful in the primary on June 3rd, 2014, receiving 53.4 percent of the vote. She competed against Janet Christoffersen.
General: She defeated Janet Christoffersen in the general election on November 4, 2014, receiving 50.9 percent of the vote.
[6][7]
Campaign themes
2024
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released October 8, 2024 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Katherine M. Bidegaray completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bidegaray's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
- Facing unprecedented attacks on the judiciary, individual rights, and the rule of law and a concerted effort to politicize our courts, Montana needs an experienced, nonpartisan judiciary capable of upholding the unique rights our 1972 Montana Constitution provides (rights to privacy, equality of education, use public lands and water, and a clean and healthful environment). Twenty-one years as a District Court Judge and 18 years practicing law before that give me the necessary experience to decide cases fairly and impartially, based on the relevant facts of record, the established precedent, and the U.S. and Montana Constitutions, uninfluenced by partisan politics or public pressure.
- The rule of law is necessary for an orderly and just society. It means that no one is above the law—that each of us, including those who govern, must follow laws that are publicly enacted, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. The rule of law protects our rights and liberties. I am not a politician. If elected, I will approach each case with an open mind, fully and fairly analyze the legal arguments presented, be open to the other justices’ considered views, and decide every case based on the record, according to the rule of law, without bowing to external pressure or favor. If we allow a political party to control all three branches of government, we risk abuse of power and. tyranny.
- During more than 21 years as a district court judge, my judicial philosophy has centered on fairness, respect, and impartiality. I am not swayed by partisan interests, public opinion, fear of criticism, or hope for favor. My decisions are rooted in a firm commitment to the rule of law, guided by the relevant facts of record, arguments presented, and established legal principles. In making judicial decisions, I strictly adhere to the 1972 Montana Constitution, the U.S. Constitution, and established legal precedents and statutes. I respect the dignity of each litigant and recognize that each issue in each case is of utmost importance to the litigants involved.
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 ads
| February 16, 2024 |
View more ads here:
Campaign website
Bidegaray’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
In Montana, the power to shape our judiciary is in your hands. Elect Montana Supreme Court Justices who uphold our values and rights. Stand Strong. Stand Independent. Stand with Katherine Bidegaray for Montana Supreme Court. As a lifelong Montanan, the essence of independence is deeply ingrained in me. My Basque parents, who etched out a living on Montana's daunting prairie, taught me the virtues of standing firm, confronting challenges directly, and resisting the urge to follow the crowd. This steadfast spirit is the cornerstone of my bid for the Montana Supreme Court. My roots are deeply embedded in Montana's soil. Growing up on a family farm/ranch, I was instilled with the values of resilience and a profound respect for the unique liberties safeguarded by our Montana Constitution. These liberties are more than mere text; they symbolize the chance for families like ours to overcome obstacles and forge a prosperous path forward. The character of Montana shapes us. We meet adversity with determination and embrace life with a robust sense of community. Our actions are not dictated by conformity but propelled by a trailblazing spirit that encourages mutual uplift and shared success. This principle was vividly illustrated when my family was on the verge of losing our farm following my father's untimely death. As a determined law student, I successfully challenged an impersonal system and secured a win not only for my family but for every Montanan who faces injustice. In over two decades as a district court judge, I have witnessed the judiciary's crucial role in maintaining justice and the rule of law. My efforts to establish treatment courts have not only saved taxpayers money but have also changed lives for the better. I have consistently advocated for individual rights, a testament to my commitment to the people I serve. Currently, our legal system and the rights it protects – including privacy, education, and the conservation of Montana's untouched landscapes – are facing significant threats. My campaign represents a defense of these values and the integrity of Montana's judiciary. With more than 38 years in the legal and judicial fields, I am exceptionally equipped to defend the constitution and serve every Montanan. As your justice, I will be a leader, not a follower. Just as my family overcame adversity, I will stand resilient against challenges. I will not succumb to political pressures or special interests; my guidance will always be the steadfast principles of our constitution. I invite you to join this crucial effort. Utilize your voice, your vote, and your influence to safeguard the distinct heritage of Montana. Let's ensure our state remains an unparalleled haven, a land led not by followers, but by leaders. Vote for Judge Katherine Bidegaray for the Montana Supreme Court, and together, we'll craft a future of justice, strength, and independence for all.[8] |
” |
| —Katherine M. Bidegaray’s campaign website (2024)[9] | ||
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.
State supreme court judicial selection in Montana
- See also: Judicial selection in Montana
The seven justices on the Montana Supreme Court are selected through nonpartisan elections to eight-year terms. When their terms expire, justices must run for re-election if they wish to remain on the court. If unopposed, a justice must stand for a yes-no retention election.[10][11]
Qualifications
To serve on this court, a judge must be:
- a U.S. citizen;
- a state resident for at least two years; and
- licensed to practice law in the state for at least five years.[10]
Chief justice
The chief justice of the court is selected through a nonpartisan election to an eight-year term.[10]
Vacancies
In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor is responsible for appointing a new justice to the court. Once confirmed by the Montana state Senate, the justice will hold office until the next regular election. At that time, the appointed justice will be able to run for re-election or retention to complete the remainder of the unexpired term.[11]
The map below highlights how vacancies are filled in state supreme courts across the country.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Sidney Herald, "Judge files for re-election," February 4, 2014
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
- ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "Primary Election Results - District Courts," June 4, 2014
- ↑ Montana Secretary of State, "2014 Candidate Filing List: Non-Legislative," accessed March 31, 2014
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Bidegaray for Montana, “Vision,” accessed September 16, 2024
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection," accessed August 11, 2021
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Montana State Legislature, "The Constitution of the state of Montana," accessed August 11, 2021 (Article VII, part VII, section 8)
Federal courts:
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Montana • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Montana
State courts:
Montana Supreme Court • Montana District Courts • Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction • Montana Water Court • Montana Workers' Compensation Court
State resources:
Courts in Montana • Montana judicial elections • Judicial selection in Montana
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