Steve Daines (Statewide)

Biography

Steve Daines, born on August 20, 1962, in Van Nuys, California, is a fifth-generation Montanan who has served as the senior United States Senator from Montana since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Daines previously represented Montana's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015. Before entering politics, he had a 28-year career in the private sector, including roles at Procter & Gamble and the Montana-based software company RightNow Technologies. Daines is married to his wife, Cindy, and they have four children and six grandchildren. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys backpacking, hunting, skiing, and fishing.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University.

• Political Experience:

  • President of the Montana State University College Republicans.
  • Delegate at the 1984 Republican National Convention.
  • Montana state chairman for Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign.
  • Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Montana in 2008.
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, serving from 2013 to 2015.
  • Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014; re-elected in 2020.
  • Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2023 to 2025.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Legislative Initiatives:

  • Introduced the North Fork Watershed Protection Act of 2013 to protect federal lands adjacent to Glacier National Park.
  • Advocated for the development of Montana's energy resources and forest management reforms.

• Committee Assignments:

  • Serves on the Senate Committees on Finance; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; and Indian Affairs.

• Awards and Recognition:

  • Received the "Life in Congress – Workplace Environment" Democracy Award from the Congressional Management Foundation in 2022.
  • Recognized by the Lugar Center and GovTrack for bipartisan leadership and effectiveness.

Daines continues to focus on issues critical to Montana, including job creation, energy development, public land management, and veterans' affairs.