Governor Greg Gianforte has announced that he is now accepting applications and nominations to fill two district court vacancies in Montanaʼs Thirteenth Judicial District, which covers Yellowstone County. The vacancies were officially notified to the governor by the Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court on July 18, 2025.
This development follows the passage and signing into law earlier this year of House Bill 913, which increased the number of district court judges in Yellowstone County from eight to ten due to rising caseloads.
Qualified lawyers in good standing who meet the legal requirements for holding the position of district court judge are invited to apply or be nominated. Applications are available electronically and must be submitted both electronically and in hard copy by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The application form can be found at nominatejudges.mt.gov.
All applications will be made publicly available and will be considered for appointment to either of the two vacant seats. The public is invited to submit letters of support or comments regarding applicants at the same website from Wednesday, August 27 through Friday, September 26, 2025. To be considered for appointment, applicants must receive at least three letters of
support.
This increase in judgeships reflects the growing population and caseload pressure in Yellowstone County, the stateʼs busiest judicial district, ensuring timely and effective administration of justice for the community. Governor Gianforteʼs office emphasized the importance of filling these vacancies promptly to serve the citizens of Yellowstone County.