Republicans in Kalispell Respond to 2025 Election Losses, Seek Change

Flathead County Republicans Seek Revival Following Surprising Election Losses In the aftermath of the 2025 municipal elections in Kalispell, Flathead County Republicans are mobilizing in response to unexpected losses that saw liberal candidates secure key positions. Traditionally a Republican stronghold, Kalispell's recent election outcomes included a win for the mayor's race and three out of eight City Commission seats by candidates from the liberal side, signaling a wake-up call for local party members. The Flathead Valley, home to prominent Republican figures such as Montana Senate President Matt Regier and GOP Chair Art Wittich, is now witnessing a pivot within its ranks. On March 4, as the deadline for candidate filing approached, members of the business community successfully claimed 48 Republican precinct seats. This strategic move is significant, enabling the election of new leadership for county and state party positions without opposition. Kisa Davison, a GOP businesswoman who contended with liberal candidate Ryan Hunter in the mayoral race, expressed that the election results ignited a grassroots movement among Republicans. Displeased by the party’s lack of robust support, Davison has taken on a leadership role as committeewoman for Precinct 27, with her husband Travis set to become committeeman. Their formal seating is anticipated post the primary election results on June 2. While many precinct positions are expected to be filled uncontested, some competition has emerged. In Precinct 5 (Whitefish), Giuseppe “GMan” Caltabiano is challenging Wittich for the committeeman spot, alongside Roxanne Ross, who is competing for Candace Wittich’s position. Caltabiano, a local business owner and member of the Whitefish City Council, originally entered politics to solve civic issues and now seeks to address various concerns within the Republican framework in the area. Local businesses, such as Corinne Kuntz’s daycare, have reported struggles, citing ambiguous municipal regulations as a significant hurdle. Kuntz, frustrated with the party's lack of support for conservative candidates, has decided to run for the committeewoman position for Precinct 42, advocating for improved understanding among decision-makers regarding community impacts. She is a proponent of clearer regulations and support for business-oriented policies. Yet, amidst this restructuring, the local Republican Party's vetting committee hesitated to endorse Davison based on perceived inexperience, turning their focus instead to Sid Daoud, a former Libertarian Party chair. Al Olszewski, chair of the Flathead County Republican Party, noted that the nonpartisan nature of the mayoral race presents challenges for endorsements, ultimately recommending Davison but providing only minimal campaign support. This situation highlights the broader topic of endorsements in nonpartisan elections. Legal rulings, such as one from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirming political parties' right to endorse candidates, underscore the complexity as candidates running in nonpartisan races are prohibited from declaring party affiliations. This policy stems from a precedent involving a Justice of the Peace candidate in nearby Sanders County, illustrating the intricate legal dynamics surrounding endorsements and election politics.