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Chris graduated from Billings West High School and attended Montana Technological University on a football scholarship. He holds a degree in small business marketing and finance from Montana Technological University. He is married to his wife, Leslie, with whom they have two children. He works with the Thomas Carnival to help provide tickets to Montana Fair for low-income youth, and has helped in the annual March Against Drugs and Violence. 

Chris is a business-owner. He previously worked with his dad in their family business. 

Chris Friedel serves as a State Senator for state district 26. He was elected to this position in 2021, and is serving his first term. He previously served on the Billings City Council representing Ward 3. He was elected to that position in 2015, and served two terms. 

As City Councilman, he voted against increasing taxes.

As City Councilman, he voted against increasing pay for City Council Members.

Voted to "eliminate wasteful spending from the city budget."

Voted to approve construction of the West End Reservoir, aiming to ensure residents always have access to water.

Advocated to renovate local streets, including Orchard Lane, King Ave East, and Hallowell Lane.

- As City Councilman, he voted against increasing taxes.
- As City Councilman, he voted against increasing pay for City Council Members.
- Voted to "eliminate wasteful spending from the city budget."
- Voted to approve construction of the West End Reservoir, aiming to ensure residents always have access to water.
- Advocated to renovate local streets, including Orchard Lane, King Ave East, and Hallowell Lane.

Economy

Facebook

As City Councilman, he voted to expand the 911 Call Center, aiming to improve call services and emergency response times.

Voted to expand police force and firefighter personnel.

As State Senator, passed state bill 289, permitting tuition waivers for survivors of firefighters and peace officers if they pass away during their duty.

Opposes gun control, as he voted to remove restrictive regulations for gun ownership.

Endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) of America.

- As City Councilman, he voted to expand the 911 Call Center, aiming to improve call services and emergency response times.
- Voted to expand police force and firefighter personnel.
- As State Senator, passed state bill 289, permitting tuition waivers for survivors of firefighters and peace officers if they pass away during their duty.
- Voted for stricter criminal laws.
- Opposes gun control, as he voted to remove restrictive regulations for gun ownership.
- Endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) of America.

Public Safety

As of June 8, 2025, Chris Friedel’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Healthcare

Education

As State Senator, he passed state bill 127, permitting people to elect all municipal judges.

Said his three main goals in office are addressing public safety, economic growth, and providing quality education.

- As State Senator, he passed state bill 127, permitting people to elect all municipal judges.
- Said his three main goals in office are addressing public safety, economic growth, and providing quality education.

Voting & Elections

Energy & the Environment

Twitter

Chris Friedel

Montana Legislative candidate primary election voter guide

Vince graduated from Park County High School in Livingston. He is married to his wife with whom they have three children, and nine grandchildren. 

Vince manages his own business, Ricci's Express. He also has experience as a civil servant.

Vince Ricci is a House Representative for District 55. He was elected to this position in 2015, and served three terms. 

Believes abolishing coal generating plants will lead to inflation and job losses.

Opposes governmental involvement in deciding workplace policies.

- Supports limited government.
- Believes abolishing coal generating plants will lead to inflation and job losses.
- Opposes governmental involvement in deciding workplace policies.

Supports "improving public safety by holding offenders accountable."

Supports improving Child Protective Services, as he believes it will keep more children and families together.

Believes gun policies in schools should be addressed at the local level.

- Supports reducing immigration.
- Supports "improving public safety by holding offenders accountable."
- Opposes gun control.
- Supports improving Child Protective Services, as he believes it will keep more children and families together.
- Believes gun policies in schools should be addressed at the local level.

As of June 8, 2025, Vince Ricci did not have a website or any information online.

Supports using coal and fossil fuels for energy, believing that "technology can help develop clean coal technology, higher efficient cars and trucks. Our natural resources are vital to our economy. It is unreasonable to expect our state to abandon our resources when there is still a demand for them."

Opposes the federal government managing state-owned land, saying the federal government " lets forests burn in Montana... continues to close roads on public lands..."

- Supports using coal and fossil fuels for energy, believing that "technology can help develop clean coal technology, higher efficient cars and trucks. Our natural resources are vital to our economy. It is unreasonable to expect our state to abandon our resources when there is still a demand for them."
- Opposes the federal government managing state-owned land, saying the federal government " lets forests burn in Montana... continues to close roads on public lands..."

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Vince Ricci

- Your State Senator participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 50 members of the Montana Senate. The Montana Senate is the upper house of the Montana State Legislature (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Senator 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 Senator can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Senator 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 Senators are elected to a 4-year term. Individuals can serve no more than 8 years in a 16-year period.

Montana State Senator, District 27, Republican Primary

Election results

Candidates (2)