Montana Democrats rally at Mansfield Metcalf dinner

Montana Democrats gathered in Helena during the weekend for their annual Mansfield Metcalf Dinner — somewhat ironically referred to as “Democratic Prom” and replete with a balloon arch photo opp — to rally enthusiasm for the long slate of candidates who filed to run for office under the party banner.

On the heels of one of the most tumultuous political weeks in recent state history, Democrats expressed a renewed optimism of adding seats in the Legislature and breaking the Republican hold on statewide offices after two incumbent Republicans bowed out of federal re-election races

“2026 is the year that we can move the needle,” said Emily Marburger, the newly hired executive director of the party who came from Pennsylvania and had a hand in flipping that state’s House to Democratic control. “We can build this party from the ground up to face the future. So let’s unite, let’s organize and let’s win.”

Democratic Party Chairwoman Shannon O’Brien started immediately with jokes from the week’s election upheaval in her remarks to start the evening.


https://dailymontanan.com/2026/03/09/montana-democrats-rally-at-mansfield-metcalf-dinner/