Urgent Call: Who Will Fill the Controversial Sixth Judicial District Judgeship? Don't Miss Out on This!

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is currently accepting applications and nominations to fill a vacancy in the district court of the Sixth Judicial District. His office announced the opening in a news release on Tuesday, following a notification from the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court about the vacancy, which affects the counties of Park and Sweetgrass. This notification was received on February 5, 2026.

Lawyers who are in good standing and meet the qualifications established by law for district court judges are eligible to apply or be nominated for this position. The application form can be accessed at nominatejudges.mt.gov.

Applications must be submitted both electronically and in hard copy by 5 p.m. on March 16, 2026. It is important to note that all applications will be available to the public. The governor's office has stated that all submitted applications will be considered for either seat in the district court.

Beginning on March 17, 2026, members of the public will have the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants through the same website, nominatejudges.mt.gov. This public commentary period will remain open until April 16, 2026. To be considered for appointment, applicants are required to secure at least three letters of support.

This process underscores the importance of public involvement in judicial appointments, reflecting a commitment to transparency and community engagement in the selection of judges in Montana. As the state navigates the critical intersection of law and public service, this vacancy presents an opportunity for qualified legal professionals to step forward and contribute to the judicial system.