Richard Gessling

Richard Gessling (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Montana House of Representatives to represent District 55. Gessling is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. Gessling advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Richard Gessling, I am a candidate for the Montana House in District 55. I am a retired Dentist. My first dental job was on an Indian reservation and my last also. I was in Private practice 39 years, moving to Red Lodge Montana in 1988 and had a vibrant practice. I was on the Red Lodge City council 10 years and Mayor 2005-6. 37 years a Lion club member. I was a member of many non profit Boards. Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce, Carbon County Historical Society, and The Beartooth Billings Clinic Foundation Board. I have been a member and President of the Rocky Fork Free Trappers Muzzleloading Shooting Club 1990 to present. I like to hunt with my muzzleloader. I have attended many Mountain Man Rendezvous those years. I love to garden and can, freeze and dehydrate fruits and vegetables. I have been Married to My wife Jean for 26 years. I have a daughter Melissa who in a dentist in Atlanta and a stepson Nate, his wife Virginia, and granddaughter Flora live in Washington State.

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?

We are not supporting our school with enough funding to give our teachers a livable wage in Montana. This results in 50% of our teachers leaving the state by their third year. Last year 2,000 teachers left the state and this year there were 1,000 vacancies when the year started. The state needs to fund early childhood education. Proof; 40% of our 5 year olds are not ready for kindergarten and they end up in Special Ed. At third Grade on 38% of our children are at grade level. This leaves them challenged for the rest of their education. Our state constitution states in article X section 1. It is the goal of the people to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person. We fall short.The changes coming to medicaid with the work requirements will be challenging. Montana is starting these July 1st this year. Persons over 65, and mothers with children under 14 may be exempted from the work requirement. Unknown at this time. These people are poor. To apply for Predetermination and Redetermination they need to do so 45 days in advance and file electronically. They do not have laptops or smart phones. They need to find one. The social services staffs have been told not to help them fill out. One mistake and they need to start over. Over the last two years 70,000 have lost their coverage. This results in being treated for free. Providers increasing fees and insurance medical coverage costing more for all.The never ending attack on our state lands and BLM lands will continue. There are attempts every legislative session to sell or trade these lands. The Forest Service funding being cut and with less local oversight resulting in less service at offices and less trail and road maintenance. Access to our state lands and water also continues to be contentious. Our constitution guarantees access, however this is challenged by land owners by blocking access locations illegally with fencing and gates. This results in confrontations, some resulting in agreements but often times settled in the courts. I will fight to keep our access to public lands and water.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Our famers and ranchers are not getting fair treatment by our federal government and our state. They have been the most heavily impacted by increases in the cost of everything that everyday citizens have experienced. The cost of health insurance with the loss of subsidies for their ACA insurance raised their rates more than 2-3 times with high deductibles and copays. Many have chosen not to be insured. The war with the increases in gas and fertilizer doubling added up. Last year saw the highest bankruptcies of farmers and ranchers. The importing of foreign beef helped the meet packers but resulted in lower sale price for American beef . Country of origin is a must.