New AG on the Block: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen
Austin Knudsen will assume office as Montana’s 25th attorney general in January 2021. Knudsen, a Republican, defeated Democrat Ralph Graybill and will succeed Republican Tim Fox, who was term limited.
Knudsen Campaign Platform
In his acceptance statement, Knudsen said, “This race was about law and order and protecting our Montana way of life. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve.”
- Combatting Crime and Drug Addiction: Motivated by his experience as a local government official, Knudsen focused his campaign on the goals of preventing crime and combatting drug addiction. As attorney general, Knudsen has committed to developing statewide enforcement and addiction-prevention strategies. In addition, Knudsen supports federal border protection to cut off the flow of drugs smuggled into Montana.
- Defending the Rule of Law: Knudsen has emphasized the importance of protecting the individual rights and freedoms of Montanans against executive and administrative overreach from the federal government.
- Opposition to Montana’s Medicaid Expansion: Knudsen’s motivations to run for attorney general included his staunch opposition to Montana’s Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, a major issue during his two terms as speaker of the Montana House of Representatives.
After winning the election, Knudsen announced a 12-member transition advisory committee that “represents a broad cross-section of Montanans that will help us put together [a] capable, hardworking team to lead the Department of Justice,” including:
- Chairman Jake Eaton, chief strategist for Knudsen’s campaign for attorney general and campaign manager for Governor-elect Greg Gianforte.
- Transition Coordinator Stephanie Cote, a former state legislator and senior policy adviser for the Montana secretary of state and the Montana state auditor.
- Transition Coordinator Will Selph, senior adviser to Knudsen’s campaign for attorney general.
- Transition General Counsel Derek Oestreicher, former elections director for the secretary of state, legal policy adviser for the commissioner of securities and insurance, and Election Day operations director for the Montana Republican Party.
- Scott Aspenlieder, member of the board of directors for the Environmental Quality Council, the Montana Water Resource Association, and other organizations.
- Cliff Brophy, disaster and emergency services coordinator and 9-1-1 coordinator for Sweet Grass County with 37 years of law enforcement experience, including 28 years as sheriff of Stillwater County.
- Kevin Gustainis, president and owner of Montana Peterbilt.
- Tony Harbaugh, long-serving Sheriff of Custer County.
- Burt Hurwitz, Meagher County Attorney.
- Emily Jones, a billings attorney with experience representing Fortune 500 corporate clients, small businesses, cities and towns, nonprofits, and individuals.
- Jon Metropoulos, a private practice attorney with over 30 years of experience in natural resource development, environmental law, and government relations.
- Scott Twito, Yellowstone County attorney.
Public Service and Professional Career
In 2010 Knudsen was elected to the Montana State House of Representatives. After serving as speaker pro tempore the following session, he was unanimously elected speaker of the house in 2014 and served in that role for four years.
Unable to seek re-election in 2018 due to term limits, Knudsen sought and was elected to the position of Roosevelt County attorney. Knudsen has stated publicly that his time as Roosevelt County attorney led him to be increasingly concerned about the rise in methamphetamine-related cases across the state, one of his major motivations for running for attorney general.
Education and Personal Life
Austin Knudsen is a fifth generation Montanan who grew up on his family farm and ranch just outside of Bainville. He is husband to Christie and father of Leah, Connor, and Reagan.
Knudsen earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology and Bachelor of Arts in political science from Montana State University and a Juris Doctor from the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.