Shayne Morgan

Shayne Morgan earned a high school diploma from Butte High School. His career experience includes working as a business owner and president.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Shayne Morgan, and I’m running as an independent candidate for House District 76 because Montana deserves leadership that answers to people not parties.

I was born and raised in Butte and graduated from Butte High School in 1990. I went on to attend Montana Tech and Carroll College, but my real education came from working in Montana communities and building a life here. I was also a Golden Gloves boxer, where I learned discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life.

I started my career in radio while still in high school and spent years working at stations across the region. Later, I moved into newspaper and television, eventually becoming a publisher and launching my own paper, The Valley Explorer. I’ve seen firsthand how corporate consolidation has changed local media and how important it is to have independent voices that stand up for local communities.

When I was ready for a new challenge, I turned to wildland firefighting. I spent eight seasons as a contractor in the Pacific Northwest, running Type 4 and Type 6 engines. That work taught me discipline, teamwork, and what it means to show up when it matters most.

I later transitioned into cybersecurity, studying at Chemeketa Community College and building a career in coding and cyber security. I’ve also helped teach others these skills, because I believe in preparing people for the future not just talking about it.

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?

Rural Healthcare Access

In Powell and Granite counties, healthcare isn't an abstraction. When someone has a heart attack, a farm accident, or a bad fall on an icy road, the distance to help can decide the outcome. Our small hospitals and clinics in Deer Lodge, Philipsburg, and Drummond are often the only thing standing between a neighbor and a long drive in an emergency. Most of them operate on thin margins, and a single bad budget year could put them at risk of closing. I won't let that happen without a fight.

Our district is also home to a large and growing number of older residents. Many are ranchers, retirees, and families who built these communities earning the right to grow old here, close to their friends and family.Strong Education

Every young person in Powell and Granite counties deserves a public school that prepares them for a good life, whether that means a four-year degree, a trade, or a job right out of high school. Our schools are the heart of our small towns, and I'll fight to keep them strong, well-supported, and connected to the real opportunities our communities and our state have to offer.

Too many graduates leave high school facing a hard choice: take on years of student debt, or settle for whatever work they can find. I believe there's a better path. Students who are ready and eager to work should be able to graduate with real, marketable skills and a direct line to a career, without a mountain of loans.Yes on the Montana Plan (I-194)

Big money has taken over too much of our politics. I-194, known as the Montana Plan, would stop corporations and other artificial entities from spending money to influence elections. It has drawn support from people across the political spectrum. I'm voting yes, and I'm asking you to join me, so that Montanans, not deep-pocketed interests, decide our elections.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare and cybersecurity are the two policy areas I care about most, and my work as a cyber analyst and cybersecurity trainer has shown me how closely they are connected.

In my day-to-day work, I see how vulnerable our critical infrastructure is. Recent attacks on essential systems have made it clear that hospitals and healthcare providers could be the next targets, if they aren't already. When a hospital's systems go down, it isn't just an IT problem. Surgeries get delayed, patient records become inaccessible, and lives can be put at risk. Protecting healthcare networks is a matter of patient safety and public trust.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFL-CIO, League of Conservation Voters, Montana Federation of Public Employees PAC