Cory Swanson

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Cory Swanson
Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 6, 2025
Preceded byMike McGrath
Personal details
Born1976 or 1977 (age 47–48)
Political partyRepublican[1]
EducationCarroll College (BA)
University of Montana (JD)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service
Years of service1997–present
RankColonel
Unit1-163rd Mechanized Infantry / Combined Arms Battalion
Battles/warsOperation Spartan Shield
AwardsBronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal

Cory Swanson (born 1976 or 1977)[2] is an American lawyer who has served as the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court since January 2025. He was previously the Broadwater County attorney from 2014 to 2025.

Education

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Swanson received a Bachelor of Arts from Carroll College in 2000 and a Juris Doctor from the Alexander Blewett III School of Law of the University of Montana in 2004.[3]

Career

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Swanson joined the Montana Army National Guard in June 1997 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in August 1998. He had multiple deployments to the Middle East and will retire with the rank of colonel.[4]

From 2013 to 2014, he served as deputy attorney general under then-Montana Attorney General Tim Fox.[5] He was elected as Broadwater County attorney in 2014 and subsequently re-elected in 2018 and 2022.[6]

Montana Supreme Court

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In December 2023, Swanson announced his candidacy to run for position of chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court.[5] His candidacy was supported by local sheriffs[7] and the Montana Chamber of Commerce.[8] Swanson won the general election held on November 5, 2024, defeating challenger Jeremiah Lynch.[9] He was sworn into office on January 6, 2025.[10]

Personal life

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Swanson has been married Julie since July 2007. He and Julie reside in Townsend with their son and daughter.[4]

Electoral history

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SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Nonpartisan Cory Swanson 296,545 54%
Nonpartisan Jeremiah Lynch 254,595 46%
Total votes 551,140 100.00


References

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  1. ^ Drew, Micah (March 3, 2025). "Montana House and Senate make opposite decisions on partisan judiciary bills". Kiowa County Press.
  2. ^ "Cory Swanson | 2024 Montana Free Press Election Guide". Montana Free Press. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  3. ^ "Cory J. Swanson Profile | Helena, MT Lawyer | Martindale.com". www.martindale.com. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Cory Swanson for Chief Justice". Cory Swanson for Chief Justice. Archived from the original on November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Kimbel-Sannit, Arren (December 1, 2023). "Broadwater County Attorney announces candidacy for Montana Supreme Court". Montana Free Press. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  6. ^ "Q&A: Cory Swanson, Candidate for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court". Montana Public Radio. May 15, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  7. ^ Brown, Kellyn (June 24, 2024). "Sheriffs Support Cory Swanson for Chief Justice". Flathead Beacon. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  8. ^ "PRESS RELEASE: Montana Chamber of Commerce Endorses Swanson & Wilson In Supreme Court Races - Montana Chamber of Commerce". Montana Chamber of Commerce. September 5, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  9. ^ Drew, Micah (November 6, 2024). "Elections 2024: Cory Swanson, Katherine Bidegaray win races for open seats on Montana Supreme Court". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  10. ^ Silvers, Mara (January 6, 2025). "Cory Swanson sworn in as Montana Supreme Court chief justice". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  11. ^ "Unofficial Election Night Results". Montana Secretary of State. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
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Legal offices
Preceded by Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court
2025–present 		Incumbent
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