Derek Skees Explained

Derek Skees
Office:Member of the Montana House of Representatives
Constituency:11th District
Term Start:January 2, 2017
Term End:January 2023
Predecessor:Albert Olszewski
Successor:Tanner Smith
Constituency1:4th District
Term Start1:January 3, 2011
Term End1:January 7, 2013
Predecessor1:Mike Jopek
Successor1:Ed Lieser
Party:Republican
Birth Place:Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Alma Mater:University of Central Florida
Occupation:Construction consultant
Spouse:Ronalee Skees
Children:3
Residence:Kalispell, Montana

Derek Skees (born 1968) is an American politician serving as a Republican member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 11th district.[1] [2] Skees chairs the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee.[3]

Career

In November 2011, Skees won the election and became a Republican member of Montana House of Representatives for District 4.

In 2013, Skees ran for Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, State Auditor in 2012, but lost to incumbent Monica Lindeen.[4]

In 2014, Skees ran for Montana's 5th Public Service Commissioner seat, but only secured 34% of the vote in the primary.[5]

Since 2016, Skees has been a member of Montana House of Representatives for District 11.

In April 2021, Skees announced that he will seek election to Montana's Public Service Commission, the agency responsible for regulating Montana utilities. He previously sought election to the commission in 2014, though was defeated in the Republican primary election.

In 2021, Skees was the master of ceremonies for the Red Pill Festival held in St. Regis, Montana, which sought to promote anti-government conspiracy theories.[6]

In 2021 Skees, unhappy with a preliminary injunction that blocked three anti-abortion bills, said “we need to throw out Montana’s socialist rag of a constitution.”[7]

Personal life

Skees is married to Ronalee Skees; they reside in Kalispell, Montana.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Copper Book: Lawmakers of Montana, Legislative Session of 2021 . Montana State Legislature . Montana Legislative Services Division . 12 November 2021 . 58.
  2. Web site: - Montana State Legislature.
  3. Web site: Rep. Skees announces 2nd run for Public Service Commission. 29 April 2021.
  4. Web site: Banks. Marnee. Whitefish's Derek Skees joins State Auditor race. KXLH. 24 September 2011. 14 September 2011.
  5. Web site: Brad Johnson (Montana).
  6. Web site: 'Hard pill to swallow': Red Pill Festival prescribes Christian conservatism and conspiracies. 26 July 2021 .
  7. Web site: Dietrich . Eric . Prominent Republican says Montana should 'throw out' state Constitution . www.montanafreepress.org . 19 November 2021 . . 30 November 2021.