The Republican candidates running for governor in 2020 will had their first debate in Helena on Nov. 26 without Congressman Greg Gianforte. Gianforte is not happy about it.
Gianforte criticized Attorney General Tim Fox for scheduling the debate two days before Thanksgiving when he says Fox knew that Gianforte could not attend, according to the Missoula Current.
Gianforte’s campaign manager, Jake Eaton, told the Missoula Current that Gianforte is the “clear front-runner.” He accused Fox of not wanting Gianforte to be in the first debate, a charge that Fox denies.
Fox and state Sen. Al Olszewski of Kalispell, the third GOP candidate in the governor’s race, faced off at Carroll College. The debate was sponsored by the Lewis and Clark County Republican Central Committee and focused on the Montana economy.
Gianforte promised to be at the January debate, which will be held in Billings.
Four Democrats have also joined the 2020 race for governor: Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney; former state representative Reilly Neill; Casey Schreiner, minority leader of the Montana House; and Whitney Williams, businesswoman and daughter of former Congressman Pat Williams.
Ron Vandevender is running as a Libertarian.
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