Former Officials Seek to End Corporate Contributions in Montana by 2026

A coalition of former public officials in Montana is taking a significant step towards reforming campaign finance in the state. They are pushing for a constitutional initiative aimed at removing corporate contributions from political campaigns, which they argue undermines democratic processes. The Transparent Election Initiative (TEI), spearheaded by Jeff Mangan, calls for this significant change to be included on the ballot for the 2026 elections.

The Transparent Election Initiative (TEI)

Central to TEI's proposal is the modification of corporate charters in Montana. These charters define the operational capabilities of businesses within the state. Under the proposed initiative, both new and existing corporations would be prohibited from making contributions to political campaigns. This regulation would extend to out-of-state corporations conducting business in Montana, thereby limiting certain financial channels used for political donations.

Aiming to Close Loopholes

In a statement to Montana Free Press, Mangan expressed that the TEI intends to eliminate the practice of corporate donations through political action committees (PACs). Currently, while PACs are required to disclose their donors, the existing framework allows individuals to contribute anonymously to corporations that, in turn, donate to PACs. This loophole means that the funding sources can evade transparency, leading to potential hidden influences in elections. The TEI seeks to address this issue by effectively closing these pathways for undisclosed donations.

Potential Legal Challenges

Mangan has acknowledged that the initiative might conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling, which permits extensive corporate campaign contributions. However, he described the TEI as “a whole different section of law” that intends to navigate around these judicial constraints, setting a different legal precedent for campaign financing.

Support and Next Steps

The initiative has garnered significant backing, including endorsements from former Montana governors Mark Racicot and Steve Bullock, as well as ex-U.S. Senator Jon Tester and former legislative candidate Rina Fontana-Moore. Currently, attorney Matt Cochenour, a former assistant attorney general, is involved in drafting the initiative's legal language. The proposal must undergo various administrative processes, including thorough reviews from the Legislative Services Division and the Secretary of State’s Office, alongside a campaign for collecting signatures statewide.