Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen was arrested for driving under the influence in Belgrade on June 22.
The arresting officer reported observing Hedalen driving 50 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone. When her car approached an intersection, she reportedly cut off other motorists who had the right of way. After stopping her vehicle, the officer said he detected a strong odor of alcohol. In addition, he stated that Hedalen’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, she had a dazed expression, and she was slurring her speech.
According to court documents, Hedalen acknowledged having one glass of wine. She failed a field sobriety test and subsequently refused to take a breathalyzer test. She was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital for a blood test, which was sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for analysis.
Hedalen’s office released a statement saying:
“I apologize and take full responsibility for my lapse in judgment that led to this incident. I want to thank the Belgrade Police for their professionalism and commitment to public safety. As I move forward from this personal issue, it will in no way impact my service to the people of Montana.”
Her chief of staff clarified that she was not on state business at the time of the incident.
The Montana Democratic Party called for her resignation:
“Hedalen made a dangerous decision to put lives at risk, and we demand full accountability and believe she must step down immediately.”
The Montana Republican Party declined to comment.
It seems that quite a few Republican officials have had encounters resulting in arrests or criminal legal proceedings. Here’s a list of our previous posts:
- https://wtf406.com/2023/09/more-republican-police-blotter-can-you-believe-it/
- https://wtf406.com/2023/10/more-republican-police-blotter-pinocci-arrested-again/
- https://wtf406.com/2023/09/more-republican-police-blotter-can-you-believe-it/
- https://wtf406.com/2023/07/another-republican-police-blotter/
- https://wtf406.com/2023/07/wtf406-republican-police-blotter/
- https://wtf406.com/2023/07/wtf406-republican-police-blotter/
- https://wtf406.com/2025/03/more-republican-police-blotter-rep-tom-millett-of-libby/
Thank you to the Montana Free Press for its coverage of this story. Read the full article here:
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/06/30/hedalen-apologizes-after-dui-arrest/