Montana GOP Executive Director Tyler Newcombe Steps Down, Joins State Auditor’s Office

HELENA — Tyler Newcombe has stepped down from his role as Montana Republican Party Executive Director and will join the office of Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and Montana State Auditor Jim Brown, the party announced Tuesday.

Newcombe, who began serving as executive director in January, oversaw the party’s activities during the 2025 legislative session and helped break fundraising records, according to a press release from the Montana GOP.

“It has been an incredible honor to work with such a dedicated team on advancing conservative values across Montana,” Newcombe said in the announcement. “I’m proud of what we accomplished together and confident that the MTGOP is well-positioned for the future.”

On social media platform X, Newcombe provided additional details about his departure and future plans.

“I was honored to put the [Montana GOP] in a position for success. There is no doubt they are well positioned to win across the board this cycle,” Newcombe wrote. “I look forward to working with Commissioner Brown’s office and highlighting all of the fraud and abuse that Jim Brown is protecting Montanans from.”

Newcombe added that he also plans to continue helping Republicans “in a consulting capacity.”

MTGOP Chairman Art Wittich acknowledged Newcombe’s service in a statement included in the press release.

“I appreciate Tyler’s service to the Montana Republican Party and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Wittich said.

The Montana Republican Party plans to announce a replacement executive director in the coming weeks. The executive director role involves managing day-to-day party operations, coordinating with elected officials, and overseeing campaign activities.

Simultaneously, the party brought on Ethan Holmes as its new Communications Director. Holmes, a University of Montana graduate with experience in both journalism and politics, will handle press affairs and serve as the party’s primary media contact.

The leadership change comes as Montana Republicans prepare for the 2026 election cycle. Montana has remained solidly red in recent election cycles, with Republicans controlling the governor’s office, both U.S. Senate seats, the lone U.S. House seat, and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.