Brett Mills did not reply to our request to answer questions.

Candidate Profiles

Eric Tilleman

Questions

What are the top two challenges you think our community, state, and your district are facing and how you would address those issues?

The first major challenge is rising property taxes and cost of living. I support restructuring Montana’s property tax system to provide real relief for primary residences while ensuring fairness across property classes. We need to prioritize full-time residents over out-of-state ownership and bring more transparency to how property values are assessed.  As legislatures we need to also look at caps for future inflation or deflation.  

The second challenge is workforce shortages and sustaining communities. From agriculture to healthcare to education, we are struggling to recruit and retain workers. I support strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE), expanding work-based learning, and investing in local training pipelines so students can stay, work, and raise families in Montana. Supporting agriculture and small businesses is key to keeping our communities strong.

What is you political party and why are you running?

I am a Republican, and I’m running to bring practical, grounded leadership to Helena. I was raised on a family farm and ranch and have spent my career in agriculture education and public service. I understand the challenges facing working families, rural communities, and small businesses. I’m running to ensure our values of hard work, personal responsibility, and strong communities and these principles are reflected in state policy.

Do you support tax credits for charter schools or private schools?

I support strong public schools first and foremost, especially in rural areas where they are the backbone of the community. I am open to targeted solutions that expand opportunity, but not at the expense of public education funding. Any policy must ensure that public schools remain fully funded and viable for the majority of Montana students.

How would you change Montana tax policy to ease the property tax burden on homeowners? Be specific.

I support a targeted approach to property tax relief, including: lower tax rates for primary residences, shifting more burden to second homes and short-term rentals, improving the accuracy and transparency of property valuations, and exploring caps or limits on annual increases for homeowners on fixed incomes.  The goal is to protect Montana residents from being taxed out of their homes while maintaining essential local services.

What is your specific position on the abortion issue?

I am pro-life, with exceptions for rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is at risk. I believe in protecting life while also ensuring compassion and support for women facing difficult circumstances. I support policies that expand access to prenatal care, adoption services, and family support.

Do you think the legislature should change current state policy and law regarding recreational marijuana use?

Montana voters have spoken on recreational marijuana, and I respect that decision. However, I believe the legislature should continue to refine and strengthen regulations, particularly around youth access and prevention, public safety and impaired driving and ensuring tax revenues are used responsibly.  I also believe we need to take on the challenge of kratom in Montana to accurately and appropriately regulate recreational drugs in Montana.