Montana State Senate District 42 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Montana, 2022

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On the ballot:  • U.S. House • State executive offices • State Senate • State House • Special state legislative • Supreme court • State ballot measures • Local ballot measures

This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Montana State Senate District 42 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Montana State Senate District 42

Mary Ann Dunwell defeated Matt Olson in the general election for Montana State Senate District 42 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mary Ann Dunwell (D)	55.3	5,071
		Matt Olson (R)	44.7	4,103

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,174
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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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.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mary Ann Dunwell (D)

I’m a pro-choice candidate with experienced service leadership for public benefit, not my personal gain. I’ve had the pleasure of helping many of you, your friends, and families, and believe to my core that when everyone does better, all Montanans benefit.

I have a strong background in revenue policy and continue to promote and vote for a fairer tax system. We must stop giving unfair tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations at the expense of hard-working Montanans and small businesses.

My job is to serve you, whether you vote for me or not. When people ask me if I’m a Democrat or Republican, I reply that I’m a fellow Montanan with integrity, courage, and compassion, and the Democratic candidate for SD 42. Thank you for voting. I humbly ask for your vote.

Matt Olson (R)

I am honest and have integrity . I WILL NOT make promises just to get elected. I will lead by example by studying issues to the best of my ability . I will show up to work.

I will uphold our Montana and United States constitution. Our personal rights and freedoms must be protected.

I believe in fiscal responsibility. We cannot continue to spend borrowed money. That is why it is so important to get team members back to work and provide an environment where business can thrive. We are only able to provide programs from tax revenue. If we cannot earn it, we should spend it.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Mary Ann Dunwell (D)

My policy priorities include reproductive rights, protecting Montana's state Constitution, public lands, affordable health and mental healthcare, human rights and gender equity, equal pay, living wages, affordable housing and childcare, paid sick leave, equal pay, climate justice, and fair taxation so major corporations and the super wealthy pay their fair share.

Matt Olson (R)

1. Protecting Small Business and their employees.

2. Support for our Veterans, Law Enforcement , First Responders and their safety.

3. Proper uses and protection for our natural resources : energy, clean water and forests.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Matt Olson (R)

I would look up to my dad, although he passed away my 1st year of college, he left a legacy that is unmatched. He was such a honest man. He never met a stranger. He worked hard, loved his family, loved God and this country . I choose to be a man like him. I choose to be honest and exhibit integrity to the best of my ability. I choose to work hard, love my family, my God and my country as well. I choose to leave a legacy that will inspire not only my kids, and our employees, but anyone I work along side of. Politically, my hero was Ronald Reagan. Although he was not perfect, and I do not agree with every decision he made, I do appreciate his great courage and his desire and ability to unite people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Matt Olson (R)

You cannot beat hard work and honesty. You must be able to work well with others. You must be competent and accomplish tasks.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Matt Olson (R)

I remember celebrating the United States Bi-Centennial in 1976. Everyone seemed to be so patriotic and proud to be an American, celebrating our vast accomplishments as a nation. I was 13 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Matt Olson (R)

I grew up mowing lawns. My first REAL job was at a Taco stand in the 7th grade. I worked there all summer long until school started. I still love tacos to this day!

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Matt Olson (R)

There must be mutual respect of the authority of each position. "Honesty is the best policy", Abraham Lincoln.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Matt Olson (R)

Infrastructure to accommodate our population increase will continue to be a big challenge. Safety in our communities , especially as the drug epidemic continues must be addressed. We must also teach our generations Montanan values of resourcefulness, honesty and self determination.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Matt Olson (R)

I do NOT believe that it is necessary for a state legislator to have previous experience in government or politics. I think a patriot is more important than a politician. A patriot, will strive to do right by their constituent, while and a politician will focus on getting re-elected. I do believe you need experience in leadership, working well with others, and being able to complete a task. If no one is "buying" what you are "selling", perhaps you are out of touch with your community and your "product" is unnecessary.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Matt Olson (R)

I believe it IS important to build relationships with other legislators. There are some legislators who will have more knowledge in one area, and you would need to learn from them. Likewise, you would have more knowledge in other areas serving on your specific committee that they could learn from you. ALL successful teams are built and managed when you work TOGETHER for a common goal of success.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Matt Olson (R)

I am only focused on the race I am running now.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Matt Olson (R)

I am inspired by a past employee who had been abandoned by his family. He worked hard as a teenager and has continued to work hard to this day. He is now a husband and a father. He is raising his own family with love, kindness and support. He serves others with a smile while he contributes to society in too many ways to be listed.He is not expecting handouts, but needs a level playing field for doing what is right. I appreciate that he continually gives back (even after a long day at work when he is exhausted). I want to work hard on his behalf and for others like him to help take some of the burden off their shoulders through responsible, not over reaching policies, spending and taxation . We need to support those keeping our economy flowing and flourishing.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Matt Olson (R)

Possibly in time of crisis

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Matt Olson (R)

You MUST listen, even though you may not agree. I like the example from founding father John Adams, "There must be decency and respect" in agreeing to disagree. There are things such as unalienable rights and core values that cannot be negotiated, but one must listen to all sides to gain an understanding. Our jobs as legislators is not to push our own agendas, but rather create protection for our state and it's constituents well being.

See also

More about these elections:

• Montana State Senate elections, 2022

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