Shaylee Ragar

Tester is the last Democrat holding statewide office as Republicans have dominated recent elections in Montana. He's carved out an identity as a moderate and he hopes that will win him another term.

The decision cited a 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling that said the state Constitution's right to privacy includes a woman's right to abortion access.

Rep. Matt Rosendale has ended his bid for the Senate less than a week after he launched his campaign. He said in a statement he lacks resources and that the "hill was just too steep to climb."

Republicans see Montana as one of their best chances to flip a senate seat and regain control of the chamber. But first they'll have to choose between a political newcomer or a far-right lawmaker.

The Montana Democratic Party left dozens of legislative seats go uncontested last year, helping guarantee a Republican majority. Now, Democrats are organizing to make sure Republicans are challenged.

LGBTQ advocates say these bills are another attempt to restrict transgender rights. Republicans sponsoring the bills say the definitions are important to keep sex from being conflated with gender.

Republicans in the Montana House have voted to formally punish Democratic state Rep. Zephyr by banning her from attending or speaking during floor sessions. She will be allowed to vote remotely.

State Rep. Zooey Zephyr has been barred from speaking following her controversial comments on legislation to ban gender-affirming care. Wednesday, the House could vote to censure or expel Zephyr.

Across the country, parties are consolidating political power in states and squeezing out the moderate middle. In Montana, that squeeze is changing political representation and whose voice counts.

Montana state Rep.-elect Zooey Zephyr is the first openly trans woman elected to the state legislature. She and other lawmakers across the country are now faced with trying to curb anti-LGBTQ bills.