The Gallatin County Election Department announced on March 26 that Deanna Campbell, who filed as a candidate for Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools, will not be listed on the November 2026 General Election ballot for that office.
This decision affects the upcoming election process in Montana’s most populated and fastest-growing county. The issue highlights the importance of meeting statutory qualifications for public office candidates.
According to the department, Campbell submitted her Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy along with the required filing fee on March 3, 2026. She was included as a candidate when the Primary Election ballot was certified. However, under Montana law, candidates for county superintendent of schools must possess a valid class 1 professional certificate, class 2 standard certificate, or class 3 administrative and supervisory certificate issued by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The department determined that Campbell does not hold any qualifying educator or administrative certificate specified by statute. As a result, “although her filing was initially filed and she will appear on the certified Primary Election ballot, she is not legally qualified for the office and therefore will not appear on the General Election ballot in November.”
Gallatin County oversees its Elections Office at 311 W. Main Street in Bozeman according to its official website. The county operates as a local government entity dedicated to managing public records and elections according to its official website.
In addition to overseeing elections, Gallatin County promotes historical preservation through partnerships such as with the Gallatin Historical Society according to its official website. The area features natural resources like the Gallatin River—known for clean water and blue ribbon fisheries—and maintains affiliations under state statutes while serving southwest Montana’s growing population according to its official website.
The office remains available to answer questions from candidates and members of the public regarding this matter. Those seeking more information can contact Eric Semerad at (406) 582-3060 or eric.semerad@gallatin.mt.gov.
