Mark Sweeney

Mark Sweeney

Democratic Party

Prior offices:

Montana State Senate District 39

Years in office: 2021 - 2022

Predecessor: Gene Vuckovich (D)

Successor: Jessica Wicks (D)

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Montana House of Representatives District 77

Years in office: 2019 - 2021

Successor: Sara Novak (D)

Elections and appointments

Last election

June 7, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

Western Montana College

Personal

Profession

Business owner

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign X

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Mark Sweeney (Democratic Party) was a member of the Montana State Senate, representing District 39. He assumed office on January 4, 2021. He died on May 6, 2022.

At the time of his death, Sweeney was running for election to the U.S. House to represent Montana's 2nd Congressional District. Sweeney’s name still appeared on the primary ballot on June 7, 2022.

Biography

Mark Sweeney lived in Philipsburg, Montana. Sweeney earned a B.S. in natural resource management from Western Montana College. His career experience included working as a real estate agent and owning Montana Blue Ribbon Real Estate and a natural resource consulting firm. Sweeney served on the Bureau of Land Management Citizens Resource Advisory Council and as the president of the Arrowhead Foundation.

Committee assignments

2021-2022

Sweeney was assigned to the following committees:

• Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee
• Education and Cultural Resources Committee
• Energy and Telecommunications Committee

2019-2020

Sweeney was assigned to the following committees:

• Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee
• Transportation Committee
• House State Administration Committee

Elections

2022

See also: Montana's 2nd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Montana District 2

Incumbent Matt Rosendale defeated Gary Buchanan, Penny Ronning, and Sam Rankin in the general election for U.S. House Montana District 2 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Matt Rosendale (R)	56.6	121,979
		Gary Buchanan (Independent)	21.9	47,195
		Penny Ronning (D)	20.2	43,480
		Sam Rankin (L)	1.4	3,018

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 215,672
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana District 2

Penny Ronning defeated Mark Sweeney (Unofficially withdrew) and Skylar Williams in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Montana District 2 on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Penny Ronning	58.5	21,983
		Mark Sweeney (Unofficially withdrew)	22.8	8,586
		Skylar Williams	18.7	7,029

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 37,598
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Laurie Bishop (D)
• Jack Ballard (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Montana District 2

Incumbent Matt Rosendale defeated Kyle Austin, Charles A. Walking Child, and James Boyette in the Republican primary for U.S. House Montana District 2 on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Matt Rosendale	75.7	73,453
	Submit photo	Kyle Austin	12.3	11,930
		Charles A. Walking Child	6.1	5,909
		James Boyette	5.9	5,712

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 97,004
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for U.S. House Montana District 2

Sam Rankin defeated Samuel Thomas and Roger Roots in the Libertarian primary for U.S. House Montana District 2 on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sam Rankin	47.0	958
	Submit photo	Samuel Thomas	27.2	554
		Roger Roots	25.8	526

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,038
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

See also: Montana State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for Montana State Senate District 39

Mark Sweeney defeated Suzzann Nordwick and Gordon Pierson in the general election for Montana State Senate District 39 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Sweeney (D)	44.4	4,450
		Suzzann Nordwick (R)	43.0	4,306
		Gordon Pierson (Independent) (Write-in)	12.6	1,261

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,017
= 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Montana State Senate District 39

Mark Sweeney defeated Gordon Pierson in the Democratic primary for Montana State Senate District 39 on June 2, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Sweeney	54.6	1,905
		Gordon Pierson	45.4	1,584

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,489
= 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 State Senate District 39

Suzzann Nordwick advanced from the Republican primary for Montana State Senate District 39 on June 2, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Suzzann Nordwick	100.0	2,841

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,841
= 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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2018

See also: Montana House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

General election for Montana House of Representatives District 77

Mark Sweeney defeated Heather Blom and Dick Motta in the general election for Montana House of Representatives District 77 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Sweeney (D)	59.6	2,980
	Submit photo	Heather Blom (R)	35.8	1,789
	Submit photo	Dick Motta (L)	4.7	234

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,003
= 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 77

Mark Sweeney advanced from the Democratic primary for Montana House of Representatives District 77 on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Sweeney	100.0	1,617

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 1,617
= 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 77

Heather Blom advanced from the Republican primary for Montana House of Representatives District 77 on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Heather Blom	100.0	1,052

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 1,052
= 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.

2016

See also: Montana Public Service Commission election, 2016

Sweeney ran in the fourth district of the Montana Public Service Commission. He was defeated by Gail Gutsche, who was the district's commissioner from 2009-2013, in the Democratic primary.

Gail Gutsche defeated Mark Sweeney and Lee Tavenner in the Montana Democratic primary for public service commissioner, district 4.

Montana Democratic primary for public service commissioner, district 4, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Gail Gutsche	58.20%	14,804
Mark Sweeney	31.16%	7,926
Lee Tavenner	10.64%	2,707
Total Votes (122 of 122 precincts reporting)		25,437
Source: Montana Secretary of State

2012

See also: Montana down ballot state executive elections, 2012

Sweeney ran for District 3 of the Montana Public Service Commission in 2012. He faced incumbent John Vincent in the Democratic primary on June 5, 2012. James Brown, Edward McCrone, Michael More and Roger Koopman all ran for the Republican nomination. The general election took place on November 6, 2012.

• Primary

Results are unofficial until certification on June 26th.

Montana Public Service Commissioner District 3 Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
John Vincent	50.8%	9,917
Mark Sweeney	49.2%	9,592
Total Votes		19,509
Election results via The Montana Secretary of State.

Sweeney said if elected he will promote a wide range of energy sources, stating, “I just think Montana has a diverse energy source. I support coal development, and all aspects of energy — wind, hydropower, natural gas. These things are part of the whole energy package in Montana, that needs to be developed.”

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Mark Sweeney did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Sweeney's campaign website stated the following:

“	The Core Issues of Central and Eastern Montana … Energy Montana is an energy-producing state and has been throughout our history. The high-quality jobs and economic opportunities that the development of energy in Montana create are vital to our communities and our way of life. As the private sector energy development companies in Montana shift their focus to address climate change and shifting demand for renewable energy, Montana must remain at the forefront of energy production. Our opportunities in hydro-electric power generation , harvesting wind energy, and other breakthrough innovative energy development technology are limitless. As well, Montana must continue our rich tradition as an exporter of energy, leveraging the assets of Colstrip. Infrastructure Montana’s infrastructure is at great risk and in many cases is crumbling. The recent passage of the new bi-partisan infrastructure law is a massive opportunity for Montanans and for our communities. Sadly, Cong. Matt Rosendale voted against this bill. How can we expect him to fight for the infrastructure resources in central and eastern Montana when he votes against the funding in the first place? In the U.S. Congress, Mark Sweeney will focus on central and eastern Montana needs, ensuring resources are in place for: Rural hospitals; Improved roads and bridges Vital water resource projects like the Milk River Project renovation; Improved public schools, two-year and community colleges; Improved facilities and services for tribal nations and for veterans of the U.S. military. Agriculture Central and eastern Montana agricultural producers will have, with Mark Sweeney in the U.S. Congress, a strong advocate who will: Fight for foreign trade policy that is good for agricultural producers and restores long-term global markets for Montana’s agriculture producers; Focus on breaking up the meat-packing monopolies, incentivizing local Montana value-added agriculture processing and production; Address the disastrous impact of drought, including research for drought resistant alternative crops; Work against corporate monopolies and anti-competitive practices to achieve Country of Origin Labeling, Right-to-Repair for farmers and ranchers and wrench control of companies like Monsanto away from dominance. Education Our K-12 schools are the heart and soul of our communities in Montana. Investing wisely in public education is important to the survival and success of our rural and urban schools. Mark Sweeney will do just that, invest in public school, educators, administrator, special education and support staff. Eastern and central Montana are home to many of the most vibrant and effective sources of job training and education in our region, including Miles Community College, Dawson Community College, Little Big Horn College, The University of Montana Northern, Great Falls Community College, Fort Peck Community College, MSU-B, City College of Billings and Helena College. Mark Sweeney understands the value of higher education and the importance of public-private partnerships to keep our job training and higher education opportunities on the cutting-edge. It takes support from the Federal government to help get it right, and Mark Sweeney will invest the effort and energy to be sure resources are in place for the educational institutions of central and eastern Montana. Lower Taxes for Montanans Massive corporate loopholes that allow billionaires and their global companies to make a mockery of the United States must come to an end. Mark Sweeney will fight to be sure that all Americans — especially the uber-rich — are paying their fair share of taxes. It is not fair for Montana families and businesses to bear the brunt of these billionaire tax scofflaws. Cong. Matt Rosendale is funded by the Political Action Committees and lobbyists of these same tax-evading companies, millionaires, and billionaires. Throughout his time in the U.S. Congress he has pocketed the cash of PACs and looked the other way to the detriment of Montana families, businesses, farms and ranches. Climate Change Global scientists from all perspectives believe that addressing climate change is a very high priority. Mark Sweeney agrees, and will work to secure expanded Federal support for: Deployment of innovative forest management techniques, and wildfire fighting and fire prevention technology; Public-private partnerships at the community level to establish proactive fire prevention and wildfire fighting protocols so communities like Denton, Lewistown, and others have the resources in place to respond quickly, effectively, and timely to fires — without being forced to go broke in doing so. Expanded professional training in collaboration with two-year and community colleges to be sure professional, volunteer and future firefighters have the resources, expertise, and tools they need to keep communities, people, and themselves safe.	”
—Mark Sweeney's campaign website (2022)

2020

Mark Sweeney did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Montana

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Montana scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2022

In 2022, the Montana State Legislature was not in session.

2021

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show].

In 2021, the Montana State Legislature was in session from January 4 to April 29. Americans for Prosperity Montana Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues. Club for Growth Foundation Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues. Forward Montana Legislators are scored on their votes on a variety of issues of interest to the organization. Montana Audubon Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. Montana Chamber of Commerce Legislators are scored on their votes on economic issues. Montana Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. Montana Farm Bureau Federation Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to agriculture. Montana Federation of Public Employees Legislators are scored on their votes on a variety of issues of interest to the organization. Montana Human Rights Network Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues. Montana Public Interest Research Group Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Montana Sportsmen Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Montana State AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on their votes on labor issues. Montanans for Limited Government Legislators are scored on their votes on a variety of issues of interest to the organization. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. United Property Owners of Montana Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to property owners' interests.

2020

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show].
In 2020, the Montana State Legislature was not in session.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].

In 2019, the Montana State Legislature was in session from January 7 through April 25. Americans for Prosperity Montana Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues. Montana Audubon Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. Montana Chamber of Commerce Legislators are scored on their votes on economic issues. Montana Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. Montana Environmental Information Center: 2019 Senate and House voting records Legislators are scored on bills related to the environment. Montana Farm Bureau Federation Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to agriculture. Montana Human Rights Network Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues. Montana Public Interest Research Group Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Montana Sportsmen Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Montana State AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on their votes on labor issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. United Property Owners of Montana Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to property owners' interests.

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U.S. House Montana District 2

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Gene Vuckovich (D)	Montana State Senate District 39 2021-2022	Succeeded by Jessica Wicks (D)
Preceded by -	Montana House of Representatives District 77 2019-2021	Succeeded by Sara Novak (D)

[show]

Montana's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Steve Daines (R)

Tim Sheehy (R)

Representatives

District 1

Ryan Zinke (R)

District 2

Troy Downing (R)

Republican Party (4)