Shaylee Ragar

Republicans see Montana as one of their best chances to flip a senate seat and regain control of the chamber. But first they'll have to choose between a political newcomer or a far-right lawmaker.

A looming government shutdown would have impacts across the country, including in Montana, where Rep. Matt Rosendale is among those opposing federal spending bills.

The Montana Democratic Party left dozens of legislative seats go uncontested last year, helping guarantee a Republican majority. Now, Democrats are organizing to make sure Republicans are challenged.

More than 120 Republican state lawmakers have been mailed envelopes containing white powder and threatening notes in Kansas, Tennessee and Montana. The FBI is investigating.

LGBTQ advocates say these bills are another attempt to restrict transgender rights. Republicans sponsoring the bills say the definitions are important to keep sex from being conflated with gender.

Republicans in the Montana House have voted to formally punish Democratic state Rep. Zephyr by banning her from attending or speaking during floor sessions. She will be allowed to vote remotely.

State Rep. Zooey Zephyr has been barred from speaking following her controversial comments on legislation to ban gender-affirming care. Wednesday, the House could vote to censure or expel Zephyr.

Across the country, parties are consolidating political power in states and squeezing out the moderate middle. In Montana, that squeeze is changing political representation and whose voice counts.

Montana state Rep.-elect Zooey Zephyr is the first openly trans woman elected to the state legislature. She and other lawmakers across the country are now faced with trying to curb anti-LGBTQ bills.

A pamphlet sent to voters includes information based on laws passed last year by Republicans. But a district court judge struck down the laws late last month.