Leaving office January 1, 2027.Did not run for re-election in 2026. This page switches to the former-officeholder layout when the term ends.

RepublicanIn office until January 1, 2027

Bruce "Butch" Gillespie

Montana State Senator, District 9 since 2018. Did not run for re-election in 2026; leaves office in January 2027. Won the 2026 race for Montana House District 18.

Montana State Senator, District 9Born 1946

Official website Wikipedia

In office: 7 yrs; Since 2018
Bills became law: 2; 11 sponsored, 2025–2026 session
Votes missed: 0.0%; Chamber median 0.5%
With party: 59%; On votes splitting the parties
Last margin: +46.5; Won 2018

Source: Wikidata, congress-legislators and Open States; 99chambers legislative recordsUpdated Oct 27, 2026, 1:51 PM ET

Committees

As of 2026-10.

Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation
Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
Water Policy Interim

Source: Open States committeesUpdated Oct 27, 2026, 9:43 AM ET

Legislation

2025–2026 session · 11 sponsored · 2 became law

BillIntroCmteSenateHouseLaw

SB 200 Generally revise cooperative laws
Utilities · Became law Apr 2025

SB 61 Revise laws related to considerations for measuring of streamflow
Water · Became law Feb 2025

Source: Open States billsUpdated Nov 6, 2026, 4:22 PM ET

Voting record

2025–2026 session · placement by roll-call votes

Where Gillespie sits in the Montana State Senate

Gillespie is closer to the center than 75% of the chamber's Republicans.

Closest: Denley Loge, Shelley Vance, Jason Ellsworth

Source: 99chambers roll-call scalingUpdated Nov 6, 2026, 4:55 PM ET

With Gillespie’s party

Votes with the chamber's Republicans59%

Black tick: the average of Republicans in the Montana State Senate.

Source: 99chambers legislative scores from roll calls and cosponsorships

Key votes

Votes chosen for their effect, not their side: Gillespie’s vote, each party’s majority, and the result. An orange vote differs from most Republicans.

Date	Bill	Gillespie	Rep. majority	Dem. majority	Result
Apr 23, 2025	HB 860: Provide for veterinary training loan program	Yes	Yes	Yes	Passed 41–9
Apr 23, 2025	HB 129: Provide income tax benefit to support emergency response volunteers	Yes	No	Yes	Passed 28–22
Apr 23, 2025	HB 853: Revise fees for licensed establishments	Yes	No	Yes	Passed 29–21

Source: 99chambers key votes from Congress.gov, Voteview and Open States roll calls

Career

Offices held, and every time Gillespie was on a ballot. Filled marks are general elections won; hollow marks are primaries; an orange outline is a loss.