Fox expected to announce bid for Governor

Helena – Republican Attorney General Tim Fox is reportedly planning to announce his bid for Montana Governor on Thursday. Fox is barred by term limits from seeking another term as Attorney General.

The Republican primary field for Montana’s open Governor seat is expected to be expansive, Secretary of State Corey Stapleton announced his campaign early this month, and several other candidates are said to be considering a bid.

Fox, 61, has come under fire from fellow Republicans in the early days of the 2019 Legislative session for utilizing Democratic legislators to sponsor many of his office’s policy proposals, a move that is seen by many as a political gimmick to enhance his bi-partisan appeal ahead of his run for Governor.

Fox has been a mainstay in Republican politics for more than two decades. After failed attempts to seek appointment to the Montana Supreme Court and United States Attorney positions, he first ran for office in 2008, losing an open Attorney General’s race to Steve Bullock. He defeated Pam Bucy for the same office in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016, after handily defeating Democrat Larry Jent 68% to 32%.

Originally from Hardin, Montana Mr. Fox obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Montana and recently completed his Master’s in Public Administration from U of M as well. Prior to being elected, Fox held various positions in private law practice, as well as several government positions with the Department o Environmental Quality and the Board of Oil and Gas.

After winning the 2012 election Fox shocked many political observers when he retained many of Democrat Attorney General Steve Bullock’s top aides. It is widespread practice to for incoming elected officials to replace top aides, especially when the outgoing official is of the opposite political party. Fox did eventually bring in some Republicans to his administration. He hired former Great Falls-area state legislator and Air Force veteran Mike Milburn as his chief of staff. He also hired Liz Bangertner, a former two-term state legislator and tour train driver from Helena as his head of government affairs.

In April 2018, Fox revealed that he had undergone treatment for colon cancer and in September announced that he was cancer free.

Fox is expected to make his announcement at the Capitol building on Thursday afternoon.

By: Politics 406