Janine Coole

Janine Coole (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Montana House of Representatives to represent District 54. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I started off in the Air Force as Airborne Radio technician at Offutt AFB, Omaha Nebraska working on EC and RC-135’s. Once out of the service, I went to work for Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, originally in fiber optics for U-2 program. I worked my way up to a program coordinator for F-117.

I am currently a railroader with BNSF (Assistant Yardmaster) in Laurel for 27 years.

I love the Great Outdoors that we get to enjoy here in Montana. . I am very lucky to have a couple of horses and raise a few Highland Cows.

I love to garden, mostly perennial flowers.

I enjoy hunting for sapphires in Missouri River and gem mountain deposits. I want to learn how to facet sapphires to keep me occupied going into railroad retirement in a couple of years.

I am not afraid of hard work when it comes to fencing to keep my critters safe, campaigning and serving the people of Montana, if elected. I like a challenge.

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?

I oppose the Forensic Medical Facility (Prison for Criminally Insane) the state is insisting on placing in our little town. It brings public safety concerns, The chosen location is too close to an elementary school. Infrastructure issues in addition to demands on Police and Ambulance services. Loss of property tax revenue with a state facility vs. using that property for residential housing..Affordability across the board. We should be able to afford to raise our kids in Montana and have them be able to afford to raise their kids here too. We need good paying jobs, affordable health care, reasonable property taxes, affordable housing.Protect and preserve our wide open spaces. Public lands belong to the public, clean air and water.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Dark money influence corrupting our elected officials away from the best interest of real people of Montana. Elected officials work for the people., not influence peddlers.

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

Mark Kelly U.S. Senator and his associates for reminding our military - we take an oath to the constitution, not to a specific president.

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

Honesty and fairness

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

It is government for the people by the people. Not for the elite by the elite.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Win. Or lose, she stepped up to run when no one else was going to. If you don’t like what is happening in your local, state or national government, do something about it. It gives the people of Laurel a choice.

I hope to live up to their expectations.

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

U.S.Air Force 4 years

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

Recovering from childhood emotional abuse. The Air Force actually saved my life,

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Checks and balances

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

Watergate