Katherine M. Bidegaray

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Katherine M. Bidegaray
Image of Katherine M. Bidegaray
Montana Supreme Court
Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2032

Years in position

0

Predecessor
Prior offices
Montana 7th Judicial District Court

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Culbertson High School

Bachelor's

University of Montana, 1982

Law

University of Montana School of Law, 1985

Personal
Birthplace
Sidney, Mont.
Religion
Catholic
Profession
Judge
Contact

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
Image of Katherine M. Bidegaray
Katherine M. Bidegaray (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
54.1
 
299,480
Image of Dan Wilson
Dan Wilson (Nonpartisan)
 
45.9
 
254,294

Total votes: 553,774
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of Katherine M. Bidegaray
Katherine M. Bidegaray (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
48.6
 
127,301
Image of Dan Wilson
Dan Wilson (Nonpartisan)
 
34.6
 
90,563
Image of Jerry O'Neil
Jerry O'Neil (Nonpartisan)
 
16.8
 
44,058

Total votes: 261,922
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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

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

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.

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I was born in Sidney, Montana, and raised on a farm/ranch in rural Richland County, Montana. After graduating from Culbertson High School, I earned two undergraduate degrees and my law degree from the University of Montana. I began my legal career at the Montana State Auditor’s Office in Helena, where I worked for three and a half years, protecting Montana Consumers. For the next 14 years, I practiced law in Montana and North Dakota in the areas of estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, agricultural law, oil and gas, family law, and criminal law. During this time, I raised five children on our farm and ranch with their father. For the last 21 years, I have served with distinction as a District Court Judge for the five-county Montana 7th Judicial District. As an experienced general jurisdiction trial judge for more than two decades, I have handled many diverse cases in roughly 40 of Montana’s 56 counties, remaining fair and impartial, uninfluenced by political or public pressure. If elected, I will be an independent voice on the Montana Supreme Court who will protect our constitution, follow the law, and keep politics out of the courtroom.
  • 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.
Public policy is for the political branches of government, the legislature and the executive branches, not the judiciary, to address.
The most important characteristics for an elected Supreme Court Justice are experience, knowledge, impartiality, integrity, wisdom, understanding, fairness, humility, self-control, and a strong work ethic. The most important principles for an elected Supreme Court Justice are a commitment to the rule of law, federal supremacy, state autonomy, judicial review, and stare decisis.
I am honest, hard-working, open-minded, mentally strong, and fair with a good knowledge of the law and a commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and impartiality.
Among the core responsibilities for one elected to this office are to maintain a fair, impartial, nonpartisan approach to upholding the U.S. Constitution, the Montana Constitution, and the rule of law; and to interpret and apply established precedent based upon the relevant facts on the record and the applicable legal principles, not on partisan political ideology or external pressures.
I would like to leave this world better than it was when I was born.
The assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy; and the Appollo 8 mission. I was 8.
Working on my family's farm and ranch until I graduated from high school and during the summers until I graduated from law school--25 years.
To Kill a Mockingbird. It reveals a lot about humankind.
The Montana Supreme Court not only interprets laws but also ensures that all courts follow due process and maintain fairness and guards the individual rights provided by the U.S. and Montana Constitutions. It also oversees the professional conduct of attorneys and judges, ensuring ethical practice within the state's legal community.
My legal philosophy is centered around fairness, impartiality, and adherence to the U.S. Constitution and 1972 Montana Constitution. I believe that judges must interpret the law as written and remain independent of political influence, ensuring justice for all Montanans.
Yes, empathy is essential in understanding the human aspects of each case. However, it must be balanced with impartiality to ensure that decisions are made based on applicable law and relevant facts, not on personal feelings or beliefs.
I do not know whether I have been rated by a Bar Association.
My primary concern about the legal system in Montana today is that it may not be prepared to resist the unprecedented, concerted efforts to politicize our courts and have judicial decision-making influenced by partisan political ideology and external pressure or fav rather than by adherence to the rule of law and to keeping the judiciary fair and impartial by having neutral judges consistently applying the U.S. Constitution, the 1972 Montana Constitution, and established precedent to relevant facts.
The Montana Supreme Court plays a crucial role in reviewing legislation and executive actions, ensuring they comply with the U.S. and 1972 Montana Constitutions. It safeguards against overreach of power by interpreting laws and maintaining balance between the three branches of government.
Bar Association ratings provide valuable insights, but they are only one measure. A judge’s ability should also be reflected in their commitment to justice, integrity, and adherence to the law.
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side.
Montana Conservation Voters, Montana Rural Voters, Big Sky 55+, Montana Federation of Public Employees, AFL-CIO, Montana Sportsmen's Alliance, SEIU775 (caregivers' union), Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, Montana-NOW
Citizens are entitled to financial transparency and government accountability. The funds the legislature appropriates to the judiciary and the judiciary budget are public record. As for government accountability, the Montana Constitution, like the U.S. Constitution, mandates the separation of government into three co-equal branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. This separation of powers is crucial as it establishes a system of checks and balances, preventing any branch from becoming overly powerful. The primary function of the Montana judiciary is to interpret and apply laws and to serve as the guardian of the individual rights provided to all Montanans by the 1972 Montana Constitution. When the legislative or executive branches exceed their constitutionally-designated powers, the judiciary is responsible for intervening and rectifying such an overreach. This corrective action is vital to maintaining the balance of power among the branches and ensuring that the government operates within its legal and constitutional boundaries.
I do not support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process because I am not a politician. The decision whether to change the state ballot initiative process rests with the legislature.

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.


Katherine M. Bidegaray campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Montana Supreme CourtWon general$670,301 $0
Grand total$670,301 $0
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete


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

See also: How vacancies are filled in state supreme courts

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

Montana Judicial Selection More Courts
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Courts in Montana
Montana Supreme Court
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Gubernatorial Appointments
Judicial Selection in Montana
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External links

Footnotes