With a snowstorm raging outside and tensions boiling over inside, the Montana Senate’s late-night floor session on Monday put the deepening Republican divide on full display. Over three hours, a coalition of nine Republicans and all 18 Democrats wielded their “working majority” to bypass leadership, reshuffling committee assignments and advancing House bills in a power move that left GOP leaders fuming.
A Late-Night Power Play
The unusual session, stretching deep into the night, saw Senate leadership openly challenged. The coalition, led by Sen. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, took procedural control, forcing 20 House bills out of Senate President Jason Ellsworth’s hands and into committees. While technically within the rules, such maneuvers are typically handled by leadership—not rank-and-file lawmakers.
Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, didn’t hold back. “Absolutely ridiculous. It’s absurd,” he said. “In 20 years, we’ve never seen this kind of antics.”
His frustration reflects the growing rift in the Republican caucus. Ever since the session’s opening day, when Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers orchestrated a vote against the GOP’s predetermined rules and committee assignments, internal discord has only deepened.
Leadership on the Brink?
Monday’s session laid bare the escalating battle over control. Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, suggested the floor actions were a calculated effort to oust leadership altogether.
“I think the goal is to make it look like there’s been nefarious deeds done with House bills, by leadership, to try to discredit leadership and then make a further decision to get rid of leadership,” Zolnikov said during the session.
The tensions are more than procedural. The coalition’s growing assertiveness threatens to upend traditional party discipline, a shift that could have long-term consequences for how the Senate operates.
What’s at Stake?
The power struggle isn’t just about committee assignments or procedural control—it’s about who truly holds power in the Montana Senate. The implications extend beyond party politics:
- Legislative gridlock: If Republican infighting continues, major bills could stall in the Senate, delaying policy decisions.
- Future leadership battles: The fate of Senate President Ellsworth and Majority Leader McGillvray may hang in the balance if their authority keeps eroding.
- Political fallout: With an election cycle always looming, fractures within the GOP could lead to primary challenges and shifts in voter support.
A Storm Inside and Out
The scene in the chamber mirrored the blizzard outside. Popcorn deliveries from Cinemark kept lawmakers fueled as the session dragged on, but the night’s drama left little room for casual snacking. The divide within the Republican caucus is no longer just a subplot—it’s now the main story of the Montana Senate’s 2025 session.
One thing is clear: this is far from over. The working majority has made its move, and Senate leadership is on notice. Whether this leads to reconciliation or an even deeper fracture remains to be seen.
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