Jefferson County Resident Challenges Bertoglio's Appointment

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Jefferson County resident Jordan Williams challenged Governor Greg Gianforte’s appointment of Representative Marta Bertoglio as Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. At the time of her appointment, Bertoglio was a sitting member of the Montana legislature, representing Montana House District 75 (“HD 75”).

The Montana State Constitution explicitly prohibits appointing sitting legislators to public office. Article V, Section 9 provides that “No member of the legislature shall, during the term for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil...