Josh Seckinger

Josh Seckinger's career experience includes working as a fly-fishing guide and in seismic mapping, food distribution, newspaper printing, and construction labor.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have called Bozeman home since 2009. I studied political science and geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and have spent more than a decade working as a professional fly-fishing guide. I was raised by a single mother and grew up understanding what it means for a family to stretch every dollar. I now serve House District 62 in the Montana Legislature. I try to approach the job the same way I approach most things: listen carefully, work hard, focus on practical solutions, and remember that public service is supposed to make people’s lives better.

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?

Montana needs to be a place where working people can afford to build a life. We made progress on property taxes last session, but we have barely scratched the surface. Housing, insurance, utilities, health care, and everyday costs all need more work.I will always fight for Montana’s public lands, clean water, and public access. Those are not partisan values. They are part of what makes Montana home, and we have a responsibility to protect these for the next generation.I believe in practical, independent representation. I will work with anyone when it helps the people I represent, and I am willing to push back when I think Montana families are getting a bad deal.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public lands, water, and public access are deeply personal to me, both because of my professional background and because they are central to Montana’s identity. I am also passionate about making it possible for people to continue living here. That means property-tax reform, housing, health-care costs, strong public schools, and responsible energy policy. I am especially interested in policies where we can get past the partisan talking points and actually solve a problem, whether that is opening access to public land, protecting water rights, or lowering costs for working families.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

MT AFL-CIO, MT Sportmen's Alliance, Planned Parenthood of MT, MT Conservation Voters, MFPE, BIG Sky 55+

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Josh is a 15-year Gallatin Valley resident, a professional fly fishing guide, and a passionate, pragmatic progressive. Born in Florida and raised in Wisconsin, Josh moved to the Gallatin Valley at 23 after attending the University of Wisconsin—Madison. After struggling to find his place for the first five years he was here, Josh found his place rowing drift boats down some of the state's most cherished rivers: the Yellowstone, the Madison, and the Smith.

Josh is running because he thinks it is important for people who live and work here to be represented by someone who also lives and works here - so that everyone can stay here.

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?

Property Tax ReformProtecting Women's Reprodutive FreedomsProtecting Public School Funding

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Keeping Public Lands in Public Hands

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

A willingness to listen, learn, empathize, and understand that people apply their lived experiences to politics. With that in mind, there must be an attempt to represent all constituents, not just the majority that elected them.

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

As a fishing guide, I have spent the past decade developing working relationships with people of all types and political leanings, be they clients, outfitters, or fellow guides. Being able to talk to any member of the Legislature and find the common ground that we all share would be extremely helpful in the current political environment.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Josh Seckinger chose to make his home in Montana 11 years ago. Florida born and Wisconsin raised, Josh settled in the Gallatin Valley at the age of 23 and has worked a variety of jobs: seismic mapping exploration, food delivery, and working for an environmental lawyer. For the past five years, Josh has worked as a fly-fishing guide on some of Montana's most precious resources, including the Gallatin, Smith, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers.

Frequent travel and a love of the outdoors helped him learn about Montana, while his engaging and extroverted personality helped him learn about its people. Josh has gained a unique perspective about life in Montana, the needs and wants of everyday working Montanans, and the best path forward for the state, based on years of simply talking, listening, and engaging with the people of Big Sky Country. For Josh, one thing is abundantly clear: Montanans believe we must ensure the last best place stays that way.

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?

Protect Public Lands and WaterwaysIncrease Access to Quality, Affordable HealthcareExpand our rural broadband network

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Protecting public lands and waterway; protecting and increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare; and expanding our rural broadband internet access.