Sean Patrick McCoy (Missoula City Council Ward 6, Montana, candidate 2025)
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Sean Patrick McCoy ran in a special election to the Missoula City Council Ward 6 in Montana. He was on the ballot in the special primary on September 9, 2025.[source]
McCoy completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Sean Patrick McCoy provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on August 11, 2025:
- Birth date: March 31, 1975
- Birth place: Pocatello, Idaho
- High school: Pocatello High School
- Bachelor's: University of Montana, 2008
- Military service: United States Navy, 1993-1997
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Non-practicing Catholic
- Profession: Farmer
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Strong Leadership. Smart Growth. Protected Neighborhoods
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign Instagram
Elections
Nonpartisan primary election
Special nonpartisan primary for Missoula City Council Ward 6
Incumbent Sandra Vasecka, Valeda Jonessian, and Sean Patrick McCoy ran in the special primary for Missoula City Council Ward 6 on September 9, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Sandra Vasecka (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Valeda Jonessian (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Sean Patrick McCoy (Nonpartisan)  | |
| ||||
| = 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. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McCoy in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sean Patrick McCoy completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McCoy's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Born in Pocatello, Idaho, I was raised by hardworking parents who taught me the values of community, education, and stewardship of the land. After graduating from Pocatello High School, I served four years in the U.S. Navy. Following my honorable discharge in 1997, I joined the U.S. Forest Service, spending five fire seasons on the ground, and the last two seasons as a Smokejumper.
These experiences deepened my commitment to protecting public lands and led me to activism, college through the G.I. Bill, and a degree in English Literature from the University of Montana. My partner and I have since made Missoula our home, raising two children and running Frank’s Little Farm, a neighborhood fixture for fresh produce.
I have served on the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board for five years, three as president, and on the Missoula Farmers Market board since 2014. As a veteran, farmer, and parent, I am committed to advancing environmental, social, and economic justice while working for a vibrant and sustainable Missoula.- Missoula’s housing crisis has no single fix, and it demands a coordinated plan that addresses rising costs, outdated policies, labor shortages, and especially our lack of infrastructure. I support the City’s building code updates and will push to improve them if needed. As a council member, I’ll work to build homes while preserving neighborhood character, strengthen partnerships with housing organizations, and unite Montana communities to secure more state and federal funding. With my experience as Chair of the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board, I know that without investing in infrastructure, we can’t solve housing — and I’m ready to lead that fight.
- Our property taxes are too high, and hardworking homeowners carry too much of the burden. As your City Council representative, I’ll fight for a modern tax system that’s fair, balanced, and accountable. That means smarter budgeting, independent audits, and shifting away from over-reliance on property taxes. I’ll advocate at the state and federal level to fix our broken tax priorities and bring real infrastructure investment back to our community. Your tax dollars should work for you, not against you.
- Addressing Houselessness with Compassion and Solutions Houselessness demands empathy, not punishment. Criminalizing the unhoused raises costs and fails to solve the problem. We need long-term solutions that serve both individuals and the community. Affordable housing is essential. Missoula’s recent investments show promise, but too many still live in cars or work multiple jobs without affording rent. Programs like the Mobile Support Team and shelters are vital, yet large facilities can strain nearby neighborhoods. Creating more, smaller shelters will ease those impacts, reduce group sizes, and connect people with targeted support. With compassion and smart investment, we can help people move from crisis to stability.
As a farmer, I strongly support agricultural policy-making that promotes sustainable farming, fair market access, and the protection of our natural resources, because such policies safeguard our livelihoods, strengthen rural communities, and ensure food security for future generations.
"After serving on the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board, I have developed a real passion for housing policy and strongly support policy-making that ensures affordable, safe, and sustainable homes for all, because such policies build stronger communities, protect vulnerable families, and create a foundation for economic stability and social well-being.
"After serving on the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board, I have developed a real passion for housing policy and strongly support policy-making that ensures affordable, safe, and sustainable homes for all, because such policies build stronger communities, protect vulnerable families, and create a foundation for economic stability and social well-being.
Local city government, and particularly the city council, plays a vital role within the broader framework of state government and the legal system. It is the level of government closest to the people, where decisions are made that directly affect daily life, from infrastructure and public safety to housing and community development. City councils also serve as a critical link between residents and higher levels of government, ensuring that local needs and perspectives are represented in state-level discussions. Operating within the boundaries of state law, city government has the flexibility to address unique community challenges while upholding legal standards, making it an essential pillar of responsive, accountable governance.
I have always looked up to my parents, grandparents, and family elders, who embodied hard work and perseverance in everything they did. My heritage is one of teachers, loggers, miners, farmers, and veterans, people who knew the value of honest labor, service, and resilience. They taught me that true success is not measured by ease or comfort, but by the willingness to keep going when the work is hard and the outcome uncertain. Their lives showed me that perseverance is not just a trait but a way of life, a steady commitment to doing what needs to be done even when no one is watching and the rewards are far and few between.
In the greater context of the world, I have long admired Nelson Mandela, who embodied hard work, perseverance, and integrity, along with a spirit of forgiveness and courage that continues to inspire people everywhere.
In the greater context of the world, I have long admired Nelson Mandela, who embodied hard work, perseverance, and integrity, along with a spirit of forgiveness and courage that continues to inspire people everywhere.
The writings of Thomas Jefferson
Plato, The Republic
A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn
A Long Walk to Freedom, by Nelson Mandela
Hard work and clear communication are not just admirable traits in a political leader; they are the cornerstones of effective governance and public trust. A leader who embodies hard work shows unwavering dedication to public service, a willingness to put in the long hours required to address complex issues, and the resilience to persist when faced with obstacles and criticism. This work ethic demonstrates to the public that their concerns are being taken seriously, that promises are followed through, and that no challenge is too great to confront with determination and focus.
Equally important is the ability to communicate clearly, openly, and honestly. Strong communication fosters transparency, strengthens accountability, and creates an environment where diverse voices are heard and respected. It is not just about speaking well; it is about listening deeply, explaining decisions thoughtfully, and ensuring that all communities feel informed, included, and valued in the political process.
The qualities I possess that I believe would make me a successful officeholder are my commitment to hard work, my ability to communicate clearly, and my skill in building coalitions to get things done. I know that real and lasting accomplishments come from more than just individual effort; they require persistence, open and honest dialogue, and the ability to bring people together around shared goals. By working diligently, listening closely, and fostering collaboration across diverse perspectives, I aim to create solutions that are effective, broadly supported, and sustainable for the long term.
As an elected official, I believe my core responsibility is to actively engage with my constituents, listening to their concerns, understanding their needs, and building strong relationships based on trust and respect. This engagement is not just a courtesy; it is the foundation of effective representation. By maintaining open lines of communication and creating opportunities for dialogue, I gain the insight and perspective needed to make informed decisions. The voices and experiences of the people I serve guide my priorities, shape my policies, and influence my actions. In doing so, I ensure that my leadership is rooted in the lived realities of the community and directed toward meaningful, lasting change.
I also take seriously my responsibility to review budgets with diligence and transparency, ensuring that public resources are allocated wisely and in the best interest of the community.
I don't know the answer to this, never really considered it.
I was 13 when the Berlin Wall came down, and even at that age we knew it was a historic moment. Watching people cross freely and tear down the wall showed me the power of freedom, the resilience of people, and that real change is possible. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me ever since.
I don't think I can pick one favorite book of all the books I have read. Perhaps if there was a genera to narrow it down somehow. I will offer this; Much Ado About Nothing, by William Shakespeare. It is a wonderfully witty play.
One struggle in my life has been learning not to overextend myself. I have a natural drive to help, to say yes, and to take on more than I probably should. While this comes from a place of commitment and wanting to make a difference, I’ve had to learn the importance of balance, setting boundaries, and making sure I can give my best to the responsibilities I’ve already taken on. It’s an ongoing lesson in sustainability, for myself and for the work I care about.
I believe you don’t need a background in government or politics to be an effective leader, but having diverse experience can be a real asset. My background in the military and the Forest Service provided me with invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, as well as a strong work ethic grounded in discipline, accountability, and perseverance. These roles also gave me a working knowledge of bureaucracy and government functions, equipping me to navigate complex systems and get things done effectively. They taught me how to adapt under pressure, collaborate with diverse groups, and see complex tasks through to completion. While political experience can be valuable, I believe that dedication, integrity, and a willingness to work hard for the people you serve are what truly define effective leadership.
I'm a dad of two, all I have is dad jokes these days. My favorite is when they say, "Dad I am thirst." And I respond, "Glad to meet you I'm Friday."
There is probably no more annoying dad joke and it makes me smile every time.
There is probably no more annoying dad joke and it makes me smile every time.
Josh Slotnick, County Commissioner
Lou Ann Crowley, former Missoula City Council Member
Lou Ann Crowley, former Missoula City Council Member
I believe we can build public trust through a foundation of financial transparency and government accountability. Citizens have the right to clearly understand how public funds are collected and spent, especially through systems like property taxes. When people know where their money is going, they can better assess the value of public services, hold leaders accountable for their decisions, and engage meaningfully in civic life. True accountability means not only managing resources responsibly but also being open about how and why those decisions are made. By making financial processes clear, accessible, and understandable, we empower residents with the knowledge and confidence to trust that their contributions are being used wisely and in the best interest of the community.
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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
