More Republican leaders say state party is ‘purging.’ GOP says it’s ‘vetting.’

By: Keila Szpaller

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: May 27, 2026

Words: 1,635

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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More Republican legislators are finding themselves on the outs with the Montana Republican Party ahead of the 2026 election — even those long considered hard-liners.

Last year, the state GOP disowned a group that party leaders called the “Nasty Nine,” moderate Republican senators who worked with Democrats on significant legislation during the 2025 Montana Legislature.

Last month, the state GOP disavowed 16 Republican primary candidates, including longtime legislators and county committee leaders. …

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