Melissa Romano - Ballotpedia

Melissa was born and raised in Helena. She earned her associate's degree in photography from Northwest College, as well as both a bachelor's degree in social sciences and a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport. She is a mother.

Melissa has worked as a teacher for the Helena School District, and a special project coordinator for the Montana Federation of Public Employees.

Melissa Romano is currently the state representative serving House District 81. She was elected in 2022 and is serving her first term. She previously ran for Montana Superintendent of Schools in 2016, and Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2020, but did not win either race.

Plans to advocate for living wages and safer working environments.

- Plans to advocate for living wages and safer working environments.

Economy

As of June 9, 2025, Melissa Romano’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Advocates for applying the right to privacy to healthcare decisions.

- Advocates for applying the right to privacy to healthcare decisions.

Healthcare

Public Safety

Voting & Elections

As state representative, sponsored House Bill 445, which would have established a mentoring program for new teachers had it not missed a deadline.

As state representative, sponsored House Bill 863, which would have funded school meals for all students in the county's public school system had it not missed a deadline.

As state representative, sponsored House Bill 875, which would have established the school mental health promotion pilot program had it not missed a deadline.

- As state representative, sponsored House Bill 445, which would have established a mentoring program for new teachers had it not missed a deadline.
- As state representative, sponsored House Bill 863, which would have funded school meals for all students in the county's public school system had it not missed a deadline.
- As state representative, sponsored House Bill 875, which would have established the school mental health promotion pilot program had it not missed a deadline.

Education

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Melissa Romano

Rachel Burright was predominantly homeschooled. She lives in Montana with her husband and two children.

Rachel has worked in several public service fields.

Rachel Burright's campaign for State Representative in District 80 is her first entry into politics. 

Opposes government regulation of the economy.

- Opposes government regulation of the economy.

As of June 9, 2025, Rachel Burright’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Candidate website

Supports collaborative efforts despite differences, advocates for honest dialogue, and seeks to clarify Montana's Constitution and strengthen laws to overcome legal obstacles, ensuring a transparent electoral process for Montanans.

Wants to clarify the language of Montana's Constitution.

The candidate's website says, "The Declaration of Independence laid out self-evident truths... the purpose of government is to secure those unalienable rights. It is of utmost importance for us to reclaim these fundamental principles... elect representatives who prioritize honesty and justice..."

Said, "The purpose of government is to secure those unalienable rights. It is of utmost importance for us to reclaim these fundamental principles."

- Wants to clarify the language of Montana's Constitution.
- Said, "The purpose of government is to secure those unalienable rights. It is of utmost importance for us to reclaim these fundamental principles."
- Opposes rank choice voting.

Supports teaching children to "love and serve God" in school.

Wants to improve math, reading, and science proficiencies.

- Supports teaching children to "love and serve God" in school.
- Wants to improve math, reading, and science proficiencies.

Rachel Burright

- Your State Representative participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 100 members of the Montana House of Representatives. The Montana House of Representatives is the lower house of the Montana State Legislature (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Representative drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Representative can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Representative is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- State Representatives are elected to a 2-year term. Individuals can serve no more than 8 years in a 16-year period.

Montana State Representative, District 80

Election results

Candidates (2)