A Lewis and Clark County district court judge on Wednesday temporarily barred the Montana Republican Party from putting into effect bylaws adopted at the party's June convention that would have required annual dues, a loyalty pledge and new grounds for removing local party officials.
The restraining order was issued by District Judge Michael F. McMahon after county precinct committees and several local Republican officials filed suit challenging the changes. The plaintiffs include the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee, the Choteau County Republican Central Committee and individuals Jeff Essmann, Ted Kronebusch, James Wilson and state Rep. Brad Barker, R-Red Lodge.
What the new bylaws would have changed
The contested provisions adopted at the Montana Republican Party’s June platform convention would have:
- Required members to pay $20 in annual dues.
- Mandated a loyalty pledge as a condition of membership.
- Allowed removal from elected party positions for nonpayment of dues or for “conduct deemed inconsistent with party purposes,” with charges brought by any 20 official party members and adjudicated by party executive officers.
Plaintiffs argue those measures amount to what they describe as “fraudulent and corrupt practices” and sought judicial relief to prevent enforcement while the lawsuit proceeds.
"Democrats disguised as Republicans"
Montana Republican Party Chairman Art Wittich, who was elected party chairman in June 2025, has been the party’s public voice in recent factional fights. Wittich did not respond to voicemails and text messages seeking comment on Wednesday.
Local and statewide implications
For precinct committee members, elected local officers and rank-and-file Republicans, the court order preserves the status quo for now: there will be no immediate enforcement of the dues requirement, loyalty oath or expanded removal power while the litigation moves forward. The dispute reflects an ongoing intra-party struggle between party hardliners and more moderate or centrist Republicans that intensified after last year's legislative sessions and primaries.
| Party actors | Role in lawsuit or controversy |
|---|---|
| Plaintiffs | Yellowstone & Choteau county committees; Essmann; Kronebusch; Wilson; Rep. Brad Barker |
| Defendant | Montana Republican Party (state organization) |
| Judge | Lewis and Clark County District Judge Michael F. McMahon |
The bylaws’ language specifically flagged collaboration with Democrats in the Legislature, the governor’s office, the courts or elections as conduct that could trigger discipline or removal — a change plaintiffs say is vague and coercive. The new rules also lower the threshold for party members to bring removal charges by allowing any 20 official party members to file complaints.
The restraining order does not resolve the underlying disputes; it simply prevents the state party from implementing the contested provisions while the legal challenge proceeds. The plaintiffs must still prove their claims in court, and the party may seek to defend the bylaws or pursue other remedies.
News Block will monitor the case as it moves through the courts and report further developments, including any scheduling orders or additional filings from the Montana Republican Party or the plaintiffs.
