Three Montana Republican Senators Sue GOP Over Convention Censure

Three Montana Republican state senators—Jason Ellsworth, Denley Loge, and Shelley Vance—have filed a lawsuit against the Montana GOP after being censured, having their voting rights within the party revoked, and being excluded from the state GOP convention due to their bipartisan actions during the 2025 legislative session. These senators were part of a group known as "The Nine," who frequently broke with party leadership by collaborating with Democrats to pass key legislation, including the state budget, which led to significant intra-party conflict. The lawsuit alleges the Montana GOP's actions violated party rules, including improper removal of voting rights without the required two-thirds majority, and infringed upon the lawmakers' constitutional legislative immunity. The party leadership defends their decisions by stating the senators effectively removed themselves from the GOP through their votes and alliances with Democrats. The dispute highlights a deep divide within the Montana Republican Party between more moderate lawmakers and the party's conservative leadership, raising broader questions about party identity and control over elected officials. The senators argue their approach represents true Republican values emphasizing individualism, warning the party is heading down a dangerous path by seeking to control legislative votes.