Tester Ally Appointed Montana Democratic Party Vice Chair After Predecessor’s Three-Day Tenure

HELENA — The Montana Democratic Party has appointed Bruce Knutson, a longtime staffer for defeated U.S. Senator Jon Tester, as Vice Chair of its Executive Board, filling a position vacated after the previous appointee resigned just three days into the role following public criticism of Tester’s campaign performance.

Knutson’s appointment comes as the party grapples with multiple controversies, including a leaked internal strategy memo and an federal fraud case involving a party consultant. The selection of a Tester loyalist to replace a critic suggests the former senator maintains significant influence over party leadership despite losing his November 2024 reelection bid to Republican Tim Sheehy.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of the Montana Democratic Party’s Executive Board,” Knutson said in a Friday statement. “I’m committed to helping our party refocus on the issues that matter most to Montanans: improved access to healthcare, childcare, a strong public education, protecting our freedom, and making life more affordable for working Montanans and their families.”

Tester’s Continued Influence

The appointment follows the brief tenure of Max Johansen of Livingston, who was elected vice chair at the party’s September convention but resigned three days later after criticizing Tester’s campaign approach. Johansen argued that Tester wasn’t aggressive enough in his campaign against Sheehy, prompting Tester to call him a “fox in the hen house” on his podcast.

Knutson brings extensive ties to Tester’s political operation. He previously served as Veterans Liaison for Tester’s Senate office and later worked as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Montana. The appointment raises questions about whether the party is learning from its electoral setbacks or doubling down on leadership approaches that contributed to recent losses.

Tester, who lost his Senate seat after three terms, now works as a Political Analyst for MSNBC while apparently maintaining influence over Montana Democratic Party personnel decisions.

Background and Experience

Knutson, a Helena resident, graduated from the University of Montana with a Master of Public Administration degree. The lifelong Montanan served in both the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard before transitioning to public service roles.

Beyond his work with Tester, Knutson served as a state game warden with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, giving him experience in natural resource management—a key issue for Montana voters.

“Bruce is a veteran, public lands supporter, and a Montana Democrat through and through,” said Shannon O’Brien, Montana Democratic Party Board Chair. “We’re lucky to have his passion and expertise on the Executive Board and know he will help guide the party through the hard work we have ahead.”

Party Amid Multiple Crises

Knutson’s appointment occurs as Montana Democrats face significant organizational challenges. In August, Western Montana News obtained and published the party’s internal “Tangible Damages” report, which revealed strategic disarray and the party’s dependence on out-of-state funding and judicial interventions to advance its agenda.

The 23-page memo acknowledged that Democrats face an “existential threat” without control of Montana’s courts and redistricting process, while admitting the party struggles to raise sufficient grassroots funding within Montana.

Separately, the party continues dealing with fallout from federal fraud charges against Helena political consultant Abbey Lee Cook, who embezzled over $250,000 from Democratic campaigns and organizations. Cook, who provided campaign compliance services to multiple Democratic candidates and PACs, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in August and faces sentencing in January 2026.

The Cook case exposed internal party divisions when former executive board member Jesse James Mullen criticized Rep. James Reavis’s characterization of the scandal, noting that the party continued recommending Cook’s services despite rumors of financial impropriety.

Leadership Questions

The rapid turnover in the vice chair position—from Johansen’s three-day tenure to Knutson’s appointment—highlights ongoing instability within party leadership. Critics may view Knutson’s selection as rewarding loyalty to Tester over independent thinking or fresh perspectives the party might need after electoral setbacks.

The timing also raises questions about accountability within the organization. While Montana Democrats lost significant ground in recent election cycles, including Tester’s Senate defeat, the party appears to be maintaining existing power structures rather than conducting comprehensive leadership changes.

Knutson’s appointment was announced Friday by the Montana Democratic Party, which emphasized his military service and commitment to Democratic priorities including healthcare access, education funding, and economic affordability for Montana families.

The party’s Executive Board voted Thursday night to fill the vice chair vacancy, though details about the selection process or other candidates considered were not disclosed in the announcement.