Llew Jones - Montana House Representative

Llewelyn E. Jones was born on December 2, 1962, in Helena, Montana, and currently resides in Conrad, Montana. He is a Republican member of the Montana Legislature representing House District 18, which encompasses Conrad, Shelby, and Cut Bank in north-central Montana. The Jones family has a deep-rooted connection to the region, having farmed and ranched in the area since 1896.

Jones is married to Carole, his wife of over four decades. Beyond his political career, he and his wife own and partner in successful business ventures, including farm, ranch, and retail operations across 11 Montana communities. He is the owner of Pure Bliss Cycles and a partner in Frontline Agricultural operations.

Education

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Montana State University and a Master of Science in Applied Economics from Montana State University, completed in 1988.

Political Experience

Jones began his political career in 2004 when he was elected to the Montana House of Representatives for District 27, covering Pondera County and surrounding areas. He narrowly defeated Democrat Norman Ballantyne with 52% of the vote.

His legislative service includes:

• Montana House of Representatives: Seven terms
• Montana Senate: Four terms
• City of Conrad: Six years as Alderman

Jones served as Republican Whip in the Montana House and as Majority Whip in the Montana Senate. He previously chaired the State Finance and Claims Committee for four years and currently serves as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, a position he assumed in 2025.

His legislative focus centers on the "4 Es": Economic Development, Energy, Education, and Environmentally responsible multiple uses of Montana public lands. Over his two decades in the legislature, he has sponsored or cosponsored significant portions of Montana's fiscal policy, economic development legislation, energy legislation, and education innovation legislation.

Additionally, Jones serves on the Education Appropriations Committee and has been appointed by Governor Greg Gianforte to the *Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education *. He is a founding member of the Pondera Port Authority, serves on the Board of Directors for Sweetgrass Development, and is a founding member and President of the Coalition for Common Sense Use.