Katie Fire Thunder, 25, appointed to Montana House and praised by community

Gallatin County commissioners unanimously appointed 25-year-old Katie Fire Thunder to fill the House District 59 vacancy; she is a legal assistant, co-founder of Bozeman Tenants United, and a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation.

Katie Fire Thunder, 25, was unanimously appointed by the Gallatin County Commission to fill the Montana House District 59 vacancy left by Ed Stafman. She is now a member of the Montana House of Representatives and will serve a term that ends in 2027. Fire Thunder works as a legal assistant at the Gallatin County Attorney's Office and is co-founder of Bozeman Tenants United, a nonprofit focused on safe and affordable housing. She is a member of the Oglala Lakka Nation and describes her indigenous identity as central to her politics. Key details: - The Gallatin County Commission chose Fire Thunder from a three-person list submitted by the Gallatin County Democratic Central Committee. - The seat was vacated after Ed Stafman resigned in November, citing a desire to spend more time with family. - Fire Thunder started at the county attorney's office in 2023 and has experience as a legislative aide and on a presidential campaign team. - She co-founded Bozeman Tenants United, which helped push for tenant-rights measures in the city. - Community leaders, including the county attorney and local organizers, described her as an emerging leader who connects across generations and political lines. - Officials said the county has not conducted a House vacancy nomination process in more than a decade. Summary: Her appointment brings a young organizer's perspective to the state House and drew praise for her work on tenant advocacy and community outreach. She will serve the remainder of the term through 2027. Further developments in her legislative role and priorities are undetermined at this time.