Helena Judge to Hear Arguments Tuesday on Term-Limits Challenge That Threatens Reelection Bids of Reps. Llew Jones and Steve Fitzpatrick

HELENA — On Tuesday afternoon, August 18, 2026, Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan will hear arguments in a closely watched lawsuit that could determine whether two longtime Republican legislators remain eligible for the November ballot.

House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Fitzpatrick (R-Great Falls) and Rep. Llew Jones (R-Conrad) filed suit last Friday against Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Secretary of State. The case challenges Knudsen's recent official opinion interpreting Montana's constitutional term limits. That opinion, issued at the request of Senate President Matt Regier, reverses a 2012 interpretation and could disqualify both lawmakers from appearing on the general election ballot.

Montana's constitution limits legislators to eight years in any 16-year period in a single chamber. Previous practice allowed lawmakers to switch chambers without a full waiting period. Knudsen's opinion requires a full cycle break. Ballot certification is required by August 20 — just two days after today's hearing — leaving little time for resolution.

Jones, a long-serving lawmaker running for a Senate seat, and Fitzpatrick, seeking another House term, argue the new interpretation improperly changes election rules mid-cycle and ignores established precedent. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and a ruling upholding the prior interpretation.

The outcome will have immediate implications for the 2026 legislative races and could set lasting precedent for how term limits are applied in Montana. Court observers and both parties are watching closely as the clock ticks toward the certification deadline.