Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras

Kristen Juras was born on October 16, 1955, and is a fourth-generation Montanan who grew up on her family's ranch near Conrad. She is married to John Juras and has been married since 1984. The couple has three sons and two grandchildren.

Juras has had a distinguished career spanning law, academia, and public service. Before entering politics, she practiced law for 32 years in Great Falls, where she specialized in helping farmers, ranchers, and small business owners navigate legal issues. She received the Robert P. Goff Pro Bono Award in recognition of her commitment to providing pro bono legal services to clients with disabilities who face homelessness and addiction.

Education

Kristen Juras received her undergraduate degree from the University of Montana and earned her law degree from the University of Georgia Law School. She graduated from Conrad High School.

Political Experience

Current Position: Kristen Juras has been serving as the 37th Lieutenant Governor of Montana since January 4, 2021, as a member of the Republican Party. She was elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024, making her the second female elected lieutenant governor in Montana's history.

Legislative and Administrative Roles: Juras has taken on an active role in the administration of Governor Greg Gianforte. She leads the governor's Red Tape Relief Task Force, focused on cutting unnecessary regulations that burden job creation, small businesses, farmers, and ranchers. She plays a key role in policymaking and actively participates in appointments to boards, commissions, and judicial vacancies.

Academic Background: Since 2000, Juras has served as an adjunct law professor at the University of Montana's Alexander Blewett III School of Law, teaching courses in property, contracts, estate planning, taxation, business, international, and agricultural law.

Prior Judicial Candidacy: In 2016, Juras ran for the Montana Supreme Court.