Erin Farris-Olsen

Erin Farris-Olsen was born in Portland, Oregon. As of 2025, she had been a resident of Helena, Montana for 23 years. Farris-Olsen earned a bachelor's degree from Carroll College in 2006 and a law degree from the University of Oregon in 2010. Farris-Olsen's career experience includes working as a consultant, attorney, nonprofit leader, and small business owner. Farris-Olsen previously worked as a law clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, managed the Supreme Court’s Self-Help Law Centers, and served as an equal justice coordinator for the State Bar of Montana. She also worked as the Executive Director of the Montana Watershed Coordination Council and the Regional Director for the National Wildlife Federation.[1][2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Erin Farris-Olsen, and I’m running for State Senate because I believe in the power of community and the responsibility of government to make people’s lives better.

With over twenty years of experience in public service, law, and nonprofit leadership, I’ve helped turn big ideas into action. That includes work in the courtroom, at the Capitol, and in community-led efforts across Montana. Today, I lead a consulting business that supports organizations and local leaders in building capacity, securing resources, and turning vision into reality. I bring a well-rounded perspective, a deep love for this place, and a commitment to showing up and doing the work.

A Career Rooted in Public Service

From managing a statewide legal service program at the Montana Supreme Court to leading one of the state's largest watershed networks to helping rural communities cut through red tape and access the support they need, my work has always been about removing barriers, building trusted relationships, and helping people solve real problems.

I’ve worked in state government, environmental law, national nonprofits, and now as the founder of my own consulting business. I understand how policy gets made, how public resources are used, and how to get results that reflect the needs of everyday Montanans.

Leadership You Can Trust

I’ve led diverse teams, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and helped design and grow programs that make a lasting difference. I’ve advised Tribal governments, collabo

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Protecting Freedom. Montanans value liberty, privacy, and the right to live free from government overreach. But special interests are pushing laws that trample those rights to serve their own agenda.

I’m committed to:

Standing firm against legislation that threatens our personal freedoms and undermines the right to make private decisions about our bodies and our lives,

Protecting free speech, government transparency, and public participation, amd

Defending the independence of our courts, because a fair, impartial judiciary is essential to protecting the freedoms we all rely on.

I’ve stood up for these values throughout my career and on the campaign trail and I’ll keep fighting for them in the Montana legislature.Opportunity. Montanans believe in fairness, opportunity, and the freedom to build a good life in the place we love.

That’s why I’m committed to:

Defending the right to a free and high-quality public education, from early childhood through career training;

Protecting access to our public lands, so future generations can hunt, hike, and connect with the places that make Montana home;

Standing up for worker rights, including fair wages, safe conditions, and the freedom to organize.

Because the Montana way of life is worth protecting and no one should be left behind in the place they call home.Montanans believe in the promise that hard work should lead to stability and that families shouldn’t be priced out of our community.

Rising housing costs, child care shortages, and burdensome taxes are making life harder for Helena families. We need practical, targeted solutions that help working people get ahead.

That’s why I’m committed to: Expanding access to affordable housing, so families and neighbors aren’t priced out of town, Investing in child care solutions that support our working parents and help small businesses attract and retain employees; Fighting for fair tax policy so the top earners don’t take all the benefits while everyday Montanans shoulder the load.

The 2027 Legislature will face tough choices, and I’ll be the

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

This campaign is about protecting what matters: freedom, opportunity, and a Montana that stays affordable for the people who live here.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Listening and building trust through honest communication. Showing up for your community and staying curious.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Staying accountable to my constituents. Listening, explaining policy positions, and advocating for our needs.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Coffee shop. 3 years.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running because the Montana Supreme Court should serve the people, not politics. Partisanship is getting in the way of our government serving the people. I have experience in developing solutions for court processes that make government more efficient and enhance the public’s experience navigating the court system. I will work to protect the Court’s integrity, provide access to justice and information, and improve Court processes.

I am the right person for the job because I am a licensed attorney, have worked for the Court, and assisted Montanans from all areas of the State in accessing legal resources. I’ve been in the trenches with Clerks of Court statewide and legal service providers. I’ve seen the administration from all sides and look forward to having the opportunity to improve access for all.

The Clerk is the face of the Montana Supreme Court. I have always been passionate about the public perception of the courts. As Clerk, I will foster a Clerk of Court’s office that is welcoming, responsive, and accessible to all Montanans.

Currently, there is unchecked partisanship in the Clerk of the Supreme Court’s Office. It’s important to restore balance in the State government so that our leaders can work together. Although I am running as a Democrat, I will adopt and support non partisan policies as Clerk of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Clerk is a critical voice in improving access to justice and preserving the integrity of our court system.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Judicial IntegrityAccess to JusticeCourt Efficiency

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Good governance

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Clerk is the face of the Supreme Court. In this way, office culture and the leadership style of the Clerk will shape the public's perception of the Judiciary. The Clerk can demonstrate that the Court's purpose is to serve the people by being responsive and helpful in providing legal information. The Clerk can show show its commitment to the practice of Law by supporting the needs of attorneys. The Clerk can show its commitment to justice by supporting improvements in court process that result in more efficient and timely legal proceedings.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother and grandmother. They always walked through the world with humility, optimism, love, and kindness.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

No one book describes my philosophy because my vision is derived from my values, lived experience, and ability to see common themes and common ground perspectives, including written texts. However, Community and Politics of Place by Daniel Kemms does come to mind as a starting point.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity, Commitment, Courage, and Competency

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am committed to doing the full scope of the job, looking for improvements where I can, and working hard.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Responsible Court Filing Administration, Hiring and Retention of Quality Clerk Staff, Responsiveness to Attorneys, Clerks of Court, and Pro Se Litigants. Provision of Legal Information.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as an advocate for the Court system and someone who improved public perception of the Court.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11. I was in highschool.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Great Espressions, Coffee Shop. Approximately 2 years.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Hedwig's Theme

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I was a first generation college graduate and from there I went on to law school. I have always felt a bit like a fish out of water and struggled with self confidence and a sense of belonging throughout my life.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Judicial Integrity and Access to Justice. In order to preserve Judicial Integrity, the Clerk and their staff should operate in unbias manner towards attorneys and colleagues, regardless of political affiliation. In order to protect Access to Justice, the Clerk should maintain and improve legal resources available to the public.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Few people may be aware of the Clerk of the Supreme Court's role in carrying out attorney disciplinary actions. Setting and maintaining am atmosphere of sensitivity and concern is essential.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. I believe that holders of this office should have some prior experience with the State of Montana Courts. Ideally, as a clerk, judge, or attorney that has engaged with the office regularly.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Kindness to generate a welcoming atmosphere. Supervisory excellence to maintain a highly skilled workforce. Understanding of the Access to Justice landscape and how the Clerk can be a voice for court improvements. Positive relationships with the state courts, Bar Association, Court Administrators Office, and attorney associations statewide.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I am a strong advocate for transparency and accountability. I have come to find that acting in accordance with these values can occur big and small every day actions. I find feedback from peers and people with differing perspectives to be very valuable in evaluating how I can improve transparency and accountability in my work as a public servant.