Ed Buttrey

Francis "Ed" Edward Buttrey is a Republican member of the Montana Legislature representing House District 21, which covers northwest Great Falls and Black Eagle. Born December 14, 1965, in Helena, Montana, he is a fourth-generation Montanan who has built a career in both public service and business ownership.

Buttrey is married to Jessica and has three daughters: Kenzy, Macy, and TayLee. Beyond his legislative work, he has served his community in multiple capacities, including as a Fire Department Captain, Emergency Medical Technician with Bigfork Ambulance, Search and Rescue Director, Chairman of the Great Falls International Airport Authority, high school varsity football coach, and football radio announcer. He currently serves as Chairman of Benefis Health Systems and as Area Chairman for Employers Support of Guard and Reserve.

Education

Buttrey holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University, completed in 1989. He is described as a former weapon's systems designer who transitioned to business ownership.

Political Experience

Buttrey began his legislative career when he was elected to the Montana Senate in 2010, representing District 11, where he served until 2019. During his Senate tenure, he held significant leadership positions, serving as Majority Whip for two terms and Chairman of the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee. He also chaired the Senate Legislative Administration Committee and Local Government Committee, and served on numerous other committees throughout his eight years in the Senate.

Since 2019, Buttrey has served in the Montana House of Representatives for House District 21, having been elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2020. In the House, he serves on the Rules Committee, Business and Labor Committee, and Health and Human Services Committee, and held the position of Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee.

Buttrey's business interests include serving as President of multiple enterprises, including Buttrey Realty, JoBEL Incorporated, and Norbit Limited Liability Company. His legislative priorities have focused on long-term tax reform, economic development, Medicaid expansion reauthorization, and permanent property tax reform.