3 GOP gubernatorial candidates to debate in Billings

The three Republican gubernatorial candidates in the 2020 elections will have a public debate Thursday in Billings.

The event, which begins 7 p.m., is at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane.

It will feature Attorney General Tim Fox, U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte and state Sen. Al Olszewski.

The debate is sponsored by the Yellowstone County Republican Party. The three are running for the June 2 primary. The general election is Nov. 3. Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, cannot seek another four years due to term limits.

It’s the first time the candidates are together on a public stage, said Tim Stark, chair of the Yellowstone County Republican Party. Fox and Olszewski participated in a debate on Nov. 26 at Carroll College in Helena. Gianforte did not participate, saying he had a previous commitment with family to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Fox sent a letter in August proposing 10 debates, saying it would give voters a chance to compare and make a better decision.

Stark said tickets are free, but the party is asking for people to register so that seating can be prepared. He said 325 people have registered so far at http://bit.ly/37raWy0.

He said people are coming from Missoula, Bozeman and eastern Montana to see the debate and he said he has heard block parties have been set up to watch it online.

It will be shown live at the Yellowstone County Republican’s Facebook page at yellowstonegop.org.

Stark said he was curious to see the crowd, adding there are so many different factions of the party in attendance. He said there will be a mix and mingle with the candidates afterward.

“I feel good,” he said. “Obviously the turnout shows people are interested in the primary. Every year we don’t get that.”

Democrats in the race include Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, Rep. Casey Schreiner, who is serving as state House minority leader and businesswoman Whitney Williams.

Reporter Phil Drake is our eye on the state capitol. For tips, suggestions or comment, he can be reached at 406-231-9021 or pdrake@greatfallstribune.com. To support his work, subscribe today and get a special offer.