Skip to content
Montana ballot
Photo of Mary Ann Dunwell

Mary Ann Dunwell

DemocraticIncumbent

Mary Ann Dunwell is a Democratic candidate for Montana State Senate District 42 in the 2026 election. They are the incumbent.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Mary Ann Dunwell (Democratic Party) is a member of the Montana State Senate, representing District 42. She assumed office on January 2, 2023. Her current term ends on January 4, 2027.

Dunwell (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the Montana State Senate to represent District 42. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.

Campaign themes

Mary Ann Dunwell has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Mary Ann Dunwell asking her to fill out the survey.

If you are Mary Ann Dunwell, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Mary Ann Dunwell to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing maryanndunwellsd42@gmail.com.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a progressive, pro-choice Democrat in my eighth year serving as a Montana State Representative and am running to serve Montanans as a State Senator.

Legislative committees I’ve sat on include Health & Human Services, Taxation, Local Government, Natural Resources, Consumer Committee, and Legislative Administration. I’ve worked with other legislators to pass Medicaid expansion, mental health system improvement, increased prosecution of child sexual abuse, water compact, and infrastructure bills to fund roads, bridges, and our Heritage Center. I’ve defended our beloved Montana Constitution when it’s been tested by unconstitutional bills that violate our rights. I’ve demonstrated leadership with courage and will continue to stand up for all Montanans.

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’m a pro-choice candidate with experienced service leadership for public benefit, not my personal gain. I’ve had the pleasure of helping many of you, your friends, and families, and believe to my core that when everyone does better, all Montanans benefit.I have a strong background in revenue policy and continue to promote and vote for a fairer tax system. We must stop giving unfair tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations at the expense of hard-working Montanans and small businesses.My job is to serve you, whether you vote for me or not. When people ask me if I’m a Democrat or Republican, I reply that I’m a fellow Montanan with integrity, courage, and compassion, and the Democratic candidate for SD 42. Thank you for voting. I humbly ask for your vote.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My policy priorities include reproductive rights, protecting Montana's state Constitution, public lands, affordable health and mental healthcare, human rights and gender equity, equal pay, living wages, affordable housing and childcare, paid sick leave, equal pay, climate justice, and fair taxation so major corporations and the super wealthy pay their fair share.

Mary Ann Dunwell did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Dunwell's campaign website highlighted the following issues:[10]

Education

Excerpt: "We should be proud of our outstanding educators and the unique opportunities we provide for all students to flourish. Our shared commitment to public education provides a platform of achievement upon which we can continue to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow."

Jobs & Economy

Excerpt: "Montana has long been a leader in economic policy. As other states struggled during the recent recession, our careful budgeting and resourceful nature left “grain in the bin.” We must continue this legacy of leadership by shaping policies that encourage economic growth and help create good jobs."

Health care

Excerpt: "Affordable, accessible health care is a right for all, not a privilege for some. We cannot pursue our dreams while staving off illness, injury, or insurmountable health bills."

Environment

Excerpt: "Montana is a wonderful place to live, work, and play, and at the cornerstone of this enjoyment is our environment. The Montana Constitution even protects it, by guaranteeing all of us the right to a “clean and healthful environment.”

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

Source(opens in new tab)