Margaret Mitchell

Margaret Mitchell earned a high school diploma from Great Falls High School, a bachelor's degree from Montana State University in 1988, and a graduate degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 1999. Her career experience includes working as an engineering manager.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a 4th-generation Great Falls native, mom, and engineer.

I grew up right here in District 10 where Gibson Park was my playground, and Bison Thunder was my anthem. After earning my Computer Science Engineering degree from MSU, I faced a hard truth: there were no opportunities for me in Montana. Like so many young people in our state, I had to leave to get my 1st professional job. So I packed up a $250 VW Bug and headed to Los Angeles to work for Honeywell.

Thanks to my excellent Montana education and values, I went from software engineer to VP at American Express — managing global teams and multi-million-dollar budgets, then to CIO of a med-tech startup. Earning my MBA while working full time. Facing the challenges of balancing family, work, and raising our daughter, Tesla.

Years in a highly competitive environment taught me that leadership is: knowing your north star when your principles are challenged, solving tough problems by bringing people together, and listening to understand so your solutions exceed expectations.

In 2022, I moved back home to Montana. I run a small business here in Great Falls and am an adjunct professor at MSU. I serve on Alluvion Health, MSU's Engineering Advisory Council, MSU School of Computing advisory Council, and the Cascade County Compensation boards.

I enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking, and failing at climbing V1 in our beautiful public lands.

I will be honored to be Your Neighbor, Your Problem Solver, Your Senator.

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?

Keeping Montana Affordable I'll fight for creative solutions that expand public resources through economic growth, demand fair and transparent taxes to keep housing, utilities, and healthcare affordable.Creating Opportunity Great Falls deserves real jobs and a thriving economy. I'll invest in premium education, safety, and infrastructure to grow and attract Montana-made businesses — because businesses made in Montana stay in Montana.Safeguarding Our Public Lands . Our public lands aren't a playground for out-of-state billionaires. They're our economy, our identity, and our future. I'll protect access to public lands, clean water, and our right to a healthful environment — and manage this renewable resource wisely so they can help fund public services like our public schools for generations.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Following the money - Tax and Budget Policy

Real change starts with understanding where the money comes from and where it actually goes. I'm passionate about making Montana's public finances work for Montanans, not special interests.

I've managed multi-million-dollar corporate and scrappy startup budgets. I know how to stretch every dollar, eliminate waste, and demand accountability. I'll bring that same discipline to your tax dollars.

That means fair taxation where everyone pays their share. It means investing in healthcare, education, and infrastructure that creates real opportunity. And it means full transparency, so you always know how your money is being spent.

Follow the money. Fix the priorities. Deliver results.

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

The moment an elected official forgets who they work for, they've lost the plot. The most important characteristic is humility — the genuine willingness to listen more than you speak, and to let the people you represent shape your priorities.

Pair that with a Montana work ethic: show up, work hard, and give more than what's expected. No shortcuts. No excuses.

Own your mistakes. A leader who can't admit when they're wrong can't grow — and can't be trusted. I've made tough calls that didn't pan out. What matters is that you learn and what you do next.

And take criticism seriously. Conflict isn't a threat — it's information. The best solutions come from wrestling with hard disagreements honestly, not avoiding them.

Humility. Accountability. Honesty. These aren't just values I believe in — they're how I've lived and led.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Daniel Pink's Drive. It describes the elements of what drives us to do and achieve extraordinary things. I have found the principles from the book helpful in inspiring individuals and teams to achieve extraordinary goals.

I believe the principles of Drive

Autonomy - The desire to direct our own lives and work.

Mastery - The urge to make progress, improve, and get better at something that matters

Purpose - The yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves

applies to creating policy that upholds the Montana Constitution's declaration of rights, starting with the right of Popular sovereignty, that all political power is vested in and derives from the people. When the people are given autonomy, the ability to make progress, and have a purpose that is bigger than themselves, the government succeeds in enabling opportunity and prosperity.