Bryce Bennett

Bryce Bennett, (born November 11, 1984) an American politician from Montana. As a Democrat, he serves in the Montana Senate representing the 50th senate district based in Missoula. He previously served in the Montana House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, representing the 91st house district.

For the alpine ski racer from California, see Bryce Bennett (alpine skier).
Bryce Bennett
Member of the Montana Senate
from the 50th district
Assumed office
January 7, 2019
Preceded byTom Facey
Member of the Montana House of Representatives
from the 91st district
In office
January 2011 – January 7, 2019
Preceded byRobin Hamilton
Succeeded byConnie Keogh
Personal details
Born (1984-11-11) November 11, 1984
Hysham, Montana, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of Montana (BA)
WebsiteCampaign website

Early life and education

Born in Billings, Bennett is a fifth-generation Montanan. At a young age, his family moved to Hysham, Montana then, when Bennett was aged eight, to the Missoula Valley. He attended Lolo Elementary and Big Sky High School, before enrolling at the University of Montana.[1]

While at the University of Montana, Bennett was heavily involved in political activities, serving in elected positions with the Student Senate (ASUM), the Lambda Alliance and the College Democrats. As a college senior, he served as president of the Montana College Democrats Federation, a statewide group.[1]

Political career

After graduating in 2007, Bennett went to work for the Democratic National Committee in western Montana. Following the 2008 election, Bennett moved to Helena to take a job with the Montana House Democrats.[1]

When Rep. Robin Hamilton (D–Missoula) announced that he would not be seeking re-election in 2010, Bennett declared his candidacy for the seat. He was one of five candidates to run: two Democrats, two Republicans and a Libertarian. In the Democratic primary election held on June 8, Bennett won 85% of the vote, defeating his opponent by more than five-to-one.[2] In the general election held on November 2, Bennett won narrowly: he took 50.4% of the vote while the Republican nominee won 46.9% and the Libertarian 2.7%.[3] He took office in January 2011.

Bennett served as a Minority Whip of the House during the 2015-2016 session.[4]

In the 2020 Montana elections, Bennett ran for Secretary of State of Montana. He was defeated by Christi Jacobsen.[5]

Personal life

Bennett is openly gay.[6] He is the first openly gay man to serve in the Montana legislature.[7] His 2010 campaign won the support of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

References
  1. "Bennett for House: About Bryce Bennett" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-07.
  2. "Montana Secretary of State: 2010 primary election results". Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2011-02-13.
  3. "Montana Secretary of State: 2010 general election results". Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2011-02-13.
  4. "Montana Legislature: 64th Session". leg.mt.gov. Archived from the original on 2016-08-30. Retrieved 2016-09-05.
  5. https://montanafreepress.org/2020/11/04/jacobsen-wins-race-for-secretary-of-state/
  6. "Openly Gay Bryce Bennett runs for Montana office". Seattle Gay News. April 30, 2010. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011.
  7. "Openly LGBT Appointed and Elected Officials". Archived from the original on 2007-07-08.
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