A group of former public officials is advocating for the removal of corporate influence from Montana politics through the proposed Transparent Election Initiative (TEI). This initiative, founded by Jeff Mangan, a former commissioner of political practices, aims to challenge the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, which permits unlimited corporate campaign contributions.
TEI intends to modify Montana’s corporate charters, which define the legal relationship between the state and businesses operating within its jurisdiction. A key element of their approach is The Montana Plan, a proposed constitutional amendment that would explicitly prohibit corporations from donating to political campaigns. This would apply to both newly established and existing corporate charters in Montana, effectively imposing the restriction on any out-of-state firms that wish to engage in political funding within the state.
In a recent interview, Mangan explained that their initiative would prevent corporations from contributing to political action committees (PACs) altogether. He noted that the current system allows individuals to donate anonymously to corporations that, in turn, fund PACs, which may mask the sources of campaign donations. TEI’s proposed measure seeks to eliminate this loophole to ensure transparency in political financing.
Despite concerns about compliance with existing Supreme Court rulings, Mangan remains confident, stating that their initiative operates under a different legal framework designed to “bypass Citizens United.” The proposal has garnered support from notable political figures, including former governors Mark Racicot and Steve Bullock, as well as endorsements from previously defeated Democratic candidates Jon Tester and Rina Fontana-Moore.
To move forward, the initiative must navigate several procedural steps, including legal review and a significant signature-gathering effort necessary for the measure to appear on the ballot in 2026. Should the initiative succeed, it could pave the way for a new precedent regarding corporate political funding in the state.
This initiative highlights a growing trend across the U.S. in which communities are increasingly seeking ways to limit corporate influence in political campaigns. If successful, it may inspire similar efforts in other states, emphasizing a broader desire for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.