Governor: “The best of America lives here, in each and every Montanan.”

HELENA, MT - On the steps of the Montana State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte today was sworn in for his second term as the 25th Governor of the State of Montana alongside his wife, First Lady Susan Gianforte.

Chief Justice Cory Swanson administered the oath of office to Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, State Auditor James Brown, Superintendent Susie Hedalen, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, before swearing in Gianforte for a second term.

After taking the oath of office, Gov. Gianforte delivered his inaugural address for his second term as governor, opening with a message centered on how Montana represents the heart of America before recounting the last four years.

The first Republican to be elected to a second term since 1996, the governor said:

“Today, as I look across this crowd, I am reminded of something profound about Montana: America Lives Here. It lives here in the hearts of each person who calls this place home. But Montana is more than just a place: it’s a promise and a way of life. It’s where freedom roams as wide as our skies, where opportunity is as vast as our plains, where resilience runs as deep as our rivers.”

In January 2021, the governor took office during the COVID-19 pandemic at a small ceremony attended by family, with a virtual option for Montanans across the state to watch.

“Four years ago, as we took the oath of office, we faced uncertainty in the wake of a pandemic that upended our lives,” the governor said. “Families grieved, businesses were shuttered, kids weren’t in the classroom, government mandates dictated our lives, our dreams were put on hold – albeit temporarily. But then something extraordinary happened. Montanans – true to our spirit – rose up. Together, we unleashed freedom, we reopened our economy, and we proved that with determination, we could weather any storm. We have emerged from the storm stronger than ever.”

The governor continued, describing how the state faced headwinds brought on by out-of-control inflation and a historic surge in illegal immigration created by the Biden administration in Washington.

As governor, Gianforte has made addressing the affordability crisis a top priority. During his term in office, the governor worked with the legislature to deliver the largest income tax cut and property tax rebates in state history, housing reforms, and unleash the power of Montana’s workers. As a result, more Montanans are working than ever before and Montana had the second fastest wage growth in the nation, making it one of only two states where wage growth outpaced inflation in the last four years.

“With what we’ve been able to achieve together, Montana can and should be a model for our sometimes fractured nation. We are more than just a place on a map: we are the beating heart of America's promise,” the governor said.

He concluded, “The best of America lives here, in each and every Montanan. I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me and our vision. Together, we will continue to nurture the American dream that flourishes in our people, ensuring that Montana remains not just the Last Best Place, but a shining example of what our nation can and should be. By the grace of God, we will deliver for our families, our communities, and our way of life – because when Montana thrives, America thrives.”

Montana Chamber of Commerce President Todd O’Hair served as master of ceremonies for the event. Following a presentation of the colors from the Montana Air National Guard, Monsignor Kevin O’Neill, Rector and Pastor Emeritus at the Cathedral of St. Helena, provided the invocation. Lieutenant Governor Juras’ sons, Luke and Mark, and her brother, Wylie Gustafson, sang the “National Anthem” before the Montana Army National Guard conducted a flyover. Following the display, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The governor’s full remarks may be viewed here. For audio and video of the inauguration ceremony, see here.