Here’s a strange thing about the Republicans in the Montana Legislature — and it’s a hard thing to explain. Why is it that we have so many legislators who are close relatives? Maybe not surprisingly, they also break down across ideological lines. Also not surprisingly, they break down along the sides of the raging war within the Republican Party. There is only one pair of related Democrats, and they are cousins.
We are interested in your thoughts on why there are so many close Republican family members serving together in the legislature. There has to be some reason… not sure what it is. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The Hard Right, Conspiracy Crowd
Here we see the Regier family of Kalispell. The current Senate President is Matt Regier. He was primarily responsible for the division of Senate Republicans when he tried to bury members he didn’t like with poor committee assignments. He failed and set off a conflict that dominated the entire legislative session. That conflict is still reverberating through Republican primaries across the state. That’s effective leadership for you.
His sister, Amy Regier, is currently in the House of Representatives. Their father, Keith Regier, served in the legislature (both House and Senate) until 2021.
Photo of Keith Regier
Photo of Matt Regier
Photo of Amy Regier
Next in line are Jedediah and Caleb Hinkle of Belgrade. Both are in the Montana House of Representatives. The Hinkle brothers are two of the most extreme right-wing representatives in the legislature. In the past, they have served as Chair and Vice Chair of the House Fish and Game Committee.
Photo of Caleb Hinkle and Jedediah Hinkle
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Steven and Lola Galloway of Great Falls. Both were defeated in the 2024 election. Steven is currently running for the Montana Senate against Ed Buttrey in the Republican primary.
Photo of Steven and Lola Sheldon Galloway
How extreme is Steven Galloway? Check out this video in our previous post:
https://wtf406.com/2026/01/steven-galloway-files-for-local-senate-seat/
The More Traditional, Main Street Business Republicans
These married couples are closer to the political center of the already very conservative Montana Republican Party (which is currently dominated by the far right). Do not be confused by the people who call them “moderates.” They are anti–reproductive freedom, receive low scores from environmental groups, and oppose reasonable restrictions on gun ownership.
First, George and Melissa Nikalakakos of Great Falls. Both are current members of the Montana House of Representatives. George is running for a seat in the Senate. His opponent in the primary is Randy Pinocci. Pinocci is probably best known for numerous arrests and for falling asleep in Public Service Commission meetings before he lost his seat on the PSC due to term limits.
Here are links to selected previous WTF406.com posts about Nikalakakos and Pinocci:
https://wtf406.com/2026/04/george-nikolakakas-lets-fly-at-his-primary-opponent-randy-pinocci/
https://wtf406.com/2023/10/more-republican-police-blotter-pinocci-arrested-again/
https://wtf406.com/2026/04/tired-of-money-in-politics-buckle-up-for-2026/
Melissa Nikalakakos is currently being challenged by Hannah Trebas and Tony Rosales in the Republican primary. Hannah Trebas is married to Cascade County Senator Jeremy Trebas, who is currently running for the Public Service Commission. This is Hannah Trebas’ second run; she was defeated in the last election by Democrat Jane Webber. Tony Rosales switched from being a Libertarian to running as a Republican in this election. Rosales ran in a nonpartisan election for school board in Great Falls in 2025.
Photo of George and Melissa Nikalakakos
Husband and wife Daniel and Katie Zolnikov both serve in the legislature representing Yellowstone County — Daniel in the Senate and Katie in the House. Daniel considers himself an expert on energy issues and is unopposed in this election. Katie has no primary opponent and will face Mike Eaton on the general election ballot. She also focuses on energy issues in the legislature.
Photo of Daniel and Katie Zolnikov
The Father and Son Who Take Care of Big Business
John Fitzpatrick currently represents House District 76 in Anaconda. He has a long history of representing large corporations in Montana and in the legislature. His résumé includes working for Pegasus Gold Mining (now bankrupt) and NorthWestern Energy, in addition to his own business activities. He is being challenged from the right by Trish Schreiber in the Republican primary. There is also an independent candidate, Shayne Morgan, who has filed in the race but has not yet gathered the signatures to be on the ballot.
Steve Fitzpatrick is John Fitzpatrick’s son. He currently serves in the Montana House representing House District 24 in Great Falls. He is an attorney for the silk-stocking law firm Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven (BKBH), which also represents the Calumet Refinery in Great Falls. He does not have a primary challenger. In the general election, he will face Democrat Pam Carroll, a retired school district employee and current board member of Big Sky 55+, an advocacy organization for Montana seniors.
Below are selected previous WTF406.com posts about Steve Fitzpatrick:
https://wtf406.com/2022/12/senator-steve-fitzpatrick-great-falls-very-own-utility-slug/
https://wtf406.com/2025/04/calumets-got-lawyers-and-politicians/
Photo of John Fitzpatrick
Photo of Steve Fitzpatrick