HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Feb 14th, announced an advisory council to assist in reviewing qualified candidates to fill the district court judge vacancy in the 20th Judicial District (Lake and Sanders Counties).

“The members of 20th Judicial District Advisory Council will support me in identifying qualified candidates to serve as their new district court judge,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The advisory council will identify candidates who are committed to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law and who will interpret laws, not make them from the bench.”

Members of the 20th Judicial District advisory council include:

- Craige Couture, CSKT Chief of Police
- Becky Dupuis, business owner in Lake County
- Casey Emerson, attorney in Lake County
- Susan Lake, ag producer in Lake County
- Ann Marie McNeel, director of CASA of Lake and Sanders Counties
- Ann Miller, CSKT attorney
- Cynthia Neste, Sanders County Clerk of Court
- Don Strine, former Sanders County Justice of the Peace
- Lori Thibodeau, former parole officer in Lake County
- Ben Woods, Lake County Undersheriff

Gov. Gianforte announced in December that he was accepting applications and nominations for the 20th judicial district vacancy of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. On January 13, 2025, the governor announced he received five applications.

From Tuesday, January 14, 2025, to Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the public was given the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants. Applicants had to receive at least three letters of support to be considered for appointment by the governor.