In the November 2018 election, Democrats have a candidate in 87.9% of the legislative contests. This is a big increase for the Democratic Party. In 2016, it had candidates in 79.4% of the races. In 2014, it had 77.1%. In 2012, 78.9%.

The Republican Party also has more candidates for the legislature this year than in 2016. This year, Republican are in 79.2%. In 2016, 78.8%. In 2014, 79.6%. In 2012, 81.2%.

Only four state units of the major parties have candidates in fewer than half the districts: the Republican Parties of Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island; and the Democratic Party of Wyoming.

The Libertarians have 5.9% this year; 4.9% in 2016; 4.3% in 2014; and also 4.3% in 2012.

This year, there are independent candidates in 3.6% of the districts; in 2016, 3.9%.

On September 12, a televised debate was held for all three candidates who are on the ballot for Secretary of State. The three candidates are Democratic nominee Josh Boschee, and the two independent candidates, Al Jaeger and Michael Coachman. See this story. There is no Republican nominee, both both independent candidates have close ties to the Republican Party.

On September 30, the nominees for Montana’s U.S. House seat participated in a televised debate. They are the Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian nominees. This link enables anyone to watch the debate.