Ed Byrne is a Republican state representative for Montana House District 11, an area east of Kalispell in Flathead County, including Bigfork and Creston. Born in 1965, he was elected in 2024, defeating Democratic candidate Jennifer Allen with 76% of the vote. A retired U.S. Army colonel with 30 years of service, including tours in the Balkans, Iraq, and Haiti, Byrne focuses on tax policy, property tax relief for seniors and farmers, ending Social Security taxation for seniors, and protecting property owners.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montana ; Master's in Public Administration from Central Michigan University; Master's in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
• Military and Community Service: Rose to colonel in the U.S. Army, specializing in strategy; post-retirement, settled on family farm in Creston; commander of Bigfork VFW; president of Northwest Montana Westerners history group; strategy committee chair for Flathead County Republican Central Committee ; treasurer of Glacier Country Pachyderm.
• Political Experience: Elected to Montana House District 11 in 2024; serves on legislative committees, votes on bills, and advocates for district needs like tax rebates and appropriations.