Cory Swanson has been declared the winner of the race for Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice, defeating Jerry Lynch in a closely watched contest. As of early Wednesday morning, Swanson held a lead of 54% to Lynch’s 46%, with a majority of votes now counted.
Swanson, a Montana native, gained strong support in the race to replace retiring Chief Justice Mike McGrath. With 139 full precincts and 289 partial precincts reporting, Swanson had secured 54% of the vote, while Lynch trailed with 46%.
Swanson, who graduated from high school in Manhattan, Montana, has a distinguished legal background. He previously served as Deputy Attorney General under Tim Fox in 2013 and has been a member of the Montana Army National Guard.
Lynch, a Butte native, has extensive experience on the bench, having served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Montana from 2006 until his retirement in 2019.
With this victory, Swanson will take over the position of Chief Justice, replacing Mike McGrath, who is retiring after years of service. Swanson’s win solidifies his place in Montana’s judiciary and marks a significant moment in the state’s legal landscape.