Melody earned her bachelor's degree in literature and pre-medical studies from Wellesley College, and then attended the University of Massachusetts' Medical School. Melody is married. She previously volunteered by canvassing for Democratic candidates, and is a community ambassador for the Missoula Rural Fire District.

Melody has been a practicing pediatrician for the past 30 years, specializing in caring for children with cancer and end-of-life. She also taught high school chemistry and physics before going to medical school.

Ballotpedia: Melody Cunningham

Melody Cunningham's campaign for state representative is her first entry into politics.

Wants to increase the availability of affordable housing.

- Wants to increase the availability of affordable housing.
- Intends to lower property taxes.

Economy

Supports a transition to renewable, clean energy sources.

Has a degree in climate change and health.

Supports the practice of rewarding funds to businesses that engage in sustainable and energy efficient practices.

- Supports a transition to renewable, clean energy sources.
- Has a degree in climate change and health.
- Supports the practice of rewarding funds to businesses that engage in sustainable and energy efficient practices.

Energy & the Environment

Believes that healthcare is a fundamental right, and advocates for privacy from the government between patient and doctor.

Wants to ensure that senior citizens have access to quality healthcare, and that the state funds provider rates for residential care facilities.

Advocates for mental healthcare access for veterans.

- Believes that healthcare is a fundamental right, and advocates for privacy from the government between patient and doctor.
- Supports abortion rights and access.
- Said, "Trans-care is healthcare."
- Wants to ensure that senior citizens have access to quality healthcare, and that the state funds provider rates for residential care facilities.
- Advocates for mental healthcare access for veterans.

Healthcare

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

Public Safety

Voting & Elections

Advocates for securing and strengthening public education.

Opposes the usage of taxpayer dollars for funding private charter schools.

Plans to secure equitable pay and benefits for public educators and union members.

- Advocates for securing and strengthening public education.
- Opposes the usage of taxpayer dollars for funding private charter schools.
- Plans to secure equitable pay and benefits for public educators and union members.

Education

Instagram

Facebook

Melody Cunningham

As of April 10, 2024, Nick Knowles’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Missoulian, Missoula County Senate District 50

Nick previously served in the United States Air Force as a K9 Handler. He also used to work for the Department of State. 

Ballotpedia, Nick Knowles

Nick Knowles previously ran for Montana House of Representatives District 90 in 2018 and Montana State Senate District 50 in 2022, but did not win either race. 

Supports "Banning foreign countries from buying Montana Farmland."

Plans to "Enact laws to keep the corrupt and greedy politicians from raising our property taxes non-stop."

- Supports "Banning foreign countries from buying Montana Farmland."
- Plans to "Enact laws to keep the corrupt and greedy politicians from raising our property taxes non-stop."

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

Said " I would not support any elected abortion past 15 weeks unless medically necessary and in cases of rape and incest. While I am pro-life, I will not impose my views on others. We will all be judged one day."

- Said " I would not support any elected abortion past 15 weeks unless medically necessary and in cases of rape and incest. While I am pro-life, I will not impose my views on others. We will all be judged one day."

Said he will be focusing on "Ensuring our community doesn’t become filled with unvetted illegal immigrants and rampant crime."

Supports "Banning the Federal Government from taking our kids for their never-ending wars."

- Said he will be focusing on "Ensuring our community doesn’t become filled with unvetted illegal immigrants and rampant crime."
- Supports "Banning the Federal Government from taking our kids for their never-ending wars."

Nick Knowles

Ballotpedia: Richard Armerding

Richard was born in Lima, Peru. He earned degrees at Rutgers University and the University of Hawaii, then completed his education at the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania.  

The Missoulian: Richard Armerding

Richard has experience working as an international banker specializing in trade, contracts, and industrial finance. He served in the U.S. Army. Richard is currently retired.

Richard L. Amerding ran for state representative of House District 98 in 2020 and 2022, but did not win.

Opposes taxes that go towards financial aid for college education.

- Opposes taxes that go towards financial aid for college education.

As of June 9, 2025, Richard L. Armerding did not have a website or any information online.

Supports reducing government intervention in educational decisions.

- Supports reducing government intervention in educational decisions.

Richard L. Armerding

- 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 97

Election results

Candidates (3)