Tanner Smith (politician) explained

Tanner Smith
State House:Montana
District:11th
Term Start:January 2023
Predecessor:Derek Skees
Party:Republican Party

Tanner J. Smith is an American politician. He serves in the Montana House of Representatives for District 11.

Smith is from Stevensville, Montana. He is the owner of Tanner J. Smith Construction and served on the board of trustees for the Somers Lakeside School District.[1]

With Derek Skees, the member of the Montana House of Representatives for District 11, not running for reelection in 2022, Smith ran to succeed him, citing the opening of recreational cannabis dispensaries in his district and his desire to further regulate them as his motivation.[2] Smith defeated Ronalee Skees and Devon Decker in the Republican Party primary election.[3]

In June 2023, Smith announced that he would run for the Republican nomination for governor of Montana in the 2024 election, challenging incumbent Greg Gianforte.[4] One year later, Smith lost the primary to Gianaforte, gaining only 24.8% of the vote.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lakeside Rep. Tanner Smith to Run for Governor. Denali. Sagner. June 13, 2023. Flathead Beacon.
  2. Web site: House District 11: Three Republicans Seek Seat Vacated by Rep. Derek Skees. Mike. Kordenbrock. May 19, 2022. Flathead Beacon.
  3. Web site: Fallon ahead by four votes in county commissioner race . Hungry Horse News . June 8, 2022 . June 15, 2023.
  4. Web site: Freshman GOP Rep. announces run for governor. SEABORN LARSON. seaborn.larson@lee.net. June 13, 2023. The Independent Record.
  5. Web site: 2024-06-21 . Montana Governor Primary Election 2024 Live Results . 2024-08-16 . www.nbcnews.com . en.