Susan Geise is a proven, trustworthy leader | Dave Lewis
- Susan Geise
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
By Dave Lewis, retired Montana Republican Representative
April 28, 2026
House District 17 is one of our state’s largest house districts, spanning communities from the Helena Valley to Lincoln, Augusta, Fairfield and beyond. As ballots arrive in mailboxes in the next few weeks, voters should pick the candidate who has dedicated her life to serving these communities: Susan Geise.
Susan is a tested and tried conservative leader who has served as the chair of the Montana Republican Party, a Republican legislator, Republican County Commissioner, and tireless volunteer in roles across Lewis and Clark County. She truly carries the “Spirit of ‘76” with her in her energy and enthusiasm for listening to and serving her constituents. At a time when it’s far easier to talk about problems than find solutions, Susan Geise has proven again and again that she’s willing to roll up her sleeves and get to work.
When I first served in the Montana Legislature, we needed more votes to pass a bill to secure federal funding to pave the road to Marysville. I called Susan, who immediately got to work talking with groups like the Lewis and Clark County Republican Women, building support behind the bill and eventually getting it passed. She is the only candidate for House District 17 who has delivered real results for our community, not just empty promises.
Susan has also proven she can lead well in times of significant change. The Helena Valley has grown exponentially over the past few decades, and Susan was willing to make tough decisions as County Commissioner that preserved the quality of life for long-time Valley residents. She’s always willing to cast the vote that is in the best interest of her constituents, even if it makes her unpopular with a small but loud minority of individuals who only have their own interests in mind.
Susan is running on a platform of lower taxes and a smaller, more accountable government, finding ways to make life in rural Montana more affordable, expanding vocational training programs so all students can find good jobs, and supporting programs that ensure first responders, teachers, and nurses can work and live in our rural communities. Most importantly, she has the backbone to always put her constituents first, not caving to the demands of party bosses and special interests.
House District 17 needs a proven, trustworthy leader who will vote with our interests in mind. That leader is Susan Geise, and I hope you will join me in voting for her in the June 2 Republican primary.
Dave Lewis is a retired State Budget Director serving under four governors and served as a Republican Representative and Senator in the Montana legislature from 2001-2015.