Brian Gootkin, a veteran Montana law enforcement official who most recently served as director of the Montana Department of Corrections, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana.
The Senate approved Gootkin’s confirmation in a 46-43 vote, nearly seven months after President Trump announced his intention to nominate him for the position last October. Gootkin stepped down from the corrections director role shortly after the nomination was announced.
Montana’s two U.S. senators, Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, both Republicans, praised the confirmation, citing Gootkin’s record in both state corrections and county law enforcement as evidence of his commitment to public safety and the rule of law.
Gov. Greg Gianforte, who appointed Gootkin as corrections director in 2021, also congratulated him on the confirmation, crediting both Trump’s nomination and Gootkin’s history of service to Montana communities.
Gootkin’s career in Montana law enforcement spans more than two decades. He spent 21 years with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office before being appointed sheriff in 2012, a position he held until 2021. As corrections director, he oversaw the Montana State Prison and other state correctional facilities.
By: Big Sky Broadcasting Newswire