Cory Swanson studied farm and ranch management at Montana State University in Bozeman, transferred to Carroll College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He has a Doctor of Law from the University of Montana School of Law. He also has a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Cory is married to Julie Platisha, and they reside in Townsend, Montana with their son Caleb and daughter Claire. The family is active in 4-H and their church. Cory is a fourth generation Montanan and graduated from high school in Manhattan, Montana

Cory joined the Montana Army National Guard in 1997, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1998, and has served in various capacities including commanding the 1-163 Combined Arms Battalion. He is currently a Colonel in the Montana Army National Guard. Cory has worked as a partner at Anderson, Baker, & Swanson PLLC, as Deputy Attorney General, and as County Attorney in Broadwater. 

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Cory Swanson was elected as the Broadwater County Attorney in 2014 and has served three terms. He is currently running for chief justice. 

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "In November 2014, Swanson was elected the Broadwater County Attorney. His office prosecutes approximately 50 felonies and 300 misdemeanors per year... He was re-elected without opposition in 2018 and 2022..."

As the Broadwater County Attorney, his office prosecutes approximately 50 felonies and 300 misdemeanors per year. He has served in this position for ten years. 

Worked as a deputy attorney general in the Montana Department of Justice for two years, focusing on civil litigation related to natural resources.

The candidate's website says, "After his first deployment, Swanson joined and then became partner in a law firm in Helena, Montana. His practice focused on government affairs, federal and state environmental litigation, election law, land use, water and administrative law..."

As a partner in a law firm, focused on government affairs, federal and state environmental litigation, election law, land use, water and administrative law.

Has a Doctor of Law from the University of Montana School of Law.

- As the Broadwater County Attorney, his office prosecutes approximately 50 felonies and 300 misdemeanors per year. He has served in this position for ten years. 
- Worked as a deputy attorney general in the Montana Department of Justice for two years, focusing on civil litigation related to natural resources.
- As a partner in a law firm, focused on government affairs, federal and state environmental litigation, election law, land use, water and administrative law.
- Has a Doctor of Law from the University of Montana School of Law.

Legal Experience

As of June 13, 2025, Cory Swanson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Broadwater County Attorney announces candidacy for Montana Supreme Court 

Says he is "tough on crime" and a "judicial conservative."

According to his website, "worked actively to oppose environmental closures to public lands and to protect private property rights."

Promises to "not legislate from the bench."

- Says he is "tough on crime" and a "judicial conservative."
- According to his website, "worked actively to oppose environmental closures to public lands and to protect private property rights."
- Promises to "not legislate from the bench."

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

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Cory Swanson

Montana Public Radio, Q&A: Jeremiah Lynch, Candidate for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court

Jerry is from Butte. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Carroll College, a law degree from the University of Montana Law School, and a master's degree in zoology and genetics from Montana State University. He now lives in Missoula with his wife, Teri. He served on the Montana Board of Public Education and Montana Board of Environmental Review. 

Jerry was previously a lawyer in private practice and worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield in the District of Montana. 

Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch served as a federal magistrate judge in the Montana District for the U.S. District Court from 2006-2019.

Ballotpedia, Jerry Lynch

As a federal magistrate judge for the Montana District, oversaw civil and criminal cases that involved disputes between residents of different states, questions of federal law, and federal crimes.

As a clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court’s opinions.

- As a federal magistrate judge for the Montana District, oversaw civil and criminal cases that involved disputes between residents of different states, questions of federal law, and federal crimes.
- As a clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court’s opinions.

Believes in maintaining the independence of Montana’s Judicial Branch from political influence.

- Believes in maintaining the independence of Montana’s Judicial Branch from political influence.

Opposes political party designations for judicial candidates.

Said, "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

- Opposes political party designations for judicial candidates.
- Said, "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

Supports improving access to technology to improve the day-to-day performance of the Court.

- Supports improving access to technology to improve the day-to-day performance of the Court.

As of June 13, 2025, Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch

- The Montana Supreme Court is very similar to the US Supreme Court. The Montana Supreme Court consists of seven judges and serves as the highest court in the state. This court is the final authority on interpreting the Montana Constitution.
- The Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court holds the highest judicial position in the state. As the presiding officer of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice leads the court's deliberations and decisions on important legal matters.
- Supreme Court Justices handle appeals, which are reviews of lower court decisions that someone believes were incorrect or unfair. These cases can range from civil disputes to criminal convictions.
- Apart from overseeing the court's proceedings, the Chief Justice also represents the Montana judiciary in official functions and plays a significant role in the administration of the state's judicial system. This includes chairing meetings and coordinating with other branches of government.
- Unlike lower courts, the Montana Supreme Court does not conduct trials with witnesses and juries. Instead, they focus on legal arguments and the application of law based on written briefs, and sometimes through structured oral arguments if further discussion is needed.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.

Montana State Supreme Court Chief Justice

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