Katherine Bidegaray

Montana Free Press. Election 2024 guide: Montana's candidates for state and federal office.

• “My legal philosophy centers on fairness, respect and impartiality. It is rooted in a firm commitment to the rule of law. I approach each case with an open mind, basing decisions on the facts and applicable legal principles presented, rather than on personal beliefs or external pressures. I adhere strictly to the 1972 Montana Constitution, the U.S. Constitution, and established legal precedents and statutes. My long-standing practice is to administer justice fairly, efficiently and without prejudice, promoting both community and economic stability. A good justice understands that the judiciary is a co-equal branch of government that primarily functions as an appellate court, reviewing district court cases on appeal and applications for writs and ensuring that court decisions are fair and constitutional. Additionally, a good justice recognizes the role of the judiciary in keeping the other two branches of government in check. A bad justice fails to grasp these fundamental principals."
  
• "What do you regard as the stakes for who is elected to the Montana Supreme Court this election, both for everyday Montanans and for the Montana Constitution?"
• "The stakes are high because our 1972 Montana Constitution and many of the unique rights it protects — privacy, education, and the preservation of Montana’s pristine landscapes — are facing significant threats. The Montana Supreme Court's decisions profoundly impact everyday Montanans every day, making it crucial to have justices with the integrity, fortitude, and commitment to uphold our Constitution, to protect and defend our Montana values and rights, and to keep the judiciary fair and impartial. With 38 years of combined legal and judicial experience, I am fully prepared to meet that commitment[,]" said Bidegaray.
  
• "The Montana Supreme Court can maintain its independence by ensuring its justices remain impartial and nonpartisan, not swayed by political groups or partisan activities. It is essential for justices to avoid even the appearance of partisanship to maintain public trust and the integrity of our judicial system."

Bidegaray hosted an election event in which Judge Mike Wheat (D) was a guest speaker. (see attached photo)

"Speaking in support of Bidegaray, former Supreme Court Justice Mike Wheat warned voters of 'the forces that are going to try and prevent [Bidegaray] from being on the court.' Wheat further stated, 'The Legislature and the executive branch is owned by the right, and the only thing that stands in the way of some of the legislation that they’ve been trying to pass is an independent judiciary[.]'"

From the homepage of Katherine Bidegaray's campaign website:

• “I am deeply motivated to continue to give back to the people of Montana, uphold our Constitutional rights, and serve as a Justice for ALL Montanans.”

“We need people on the Montana Supreme Court who are committed to the separation of powers that our Montana constitution requires, who understand the critical importance of an independent judiciary and who cherish the preservation of the rule of law.” [See Facebook post from December 23, 2023

Included under “Vision” section on Bidegaray's campaign website: 

• "Currently, our legal system and the rights it protects – including privacy, education, and the conservation of Montana's untouched landscapes – are facing significant threats. My campaign represents a defense of these values and the integrity of Montana's judiciary. With more than 38 years in the legal and judicial fields, I am exceptionally equipped to defend the constitution and serve every Montanan."
• "As your justice, I will be a leader, not a follower. Just as my family overcame adversity, I will stand resilient against challenges. I will not succumb to political pressures or special interests; my guidance will always be the steadfast principles of our constitution."

During an interview with Kalispell Democrats Judge Bidegaray said:

• "'We’re living in times of unprecedented attacks on our judiciary, on our rights, particularly women’s rights, and on the rule of law,' Bidegaray told a crowd of about 30 attendees at Bias Brewing on Thursday. 'Now, more than ever, we need people at the Montana Supreme Court who have the backbone to stand up to these kinds of assaults.'"
• “I try always to act with independence, impartiality, integrity, reasonableness, fairness, while developing a good, strong knowledge of the law and applying it,” Bidegaray said “I have consistently, in doing my job, set aside my own personal opinions and personal preferences.” 
  

Katherine Bidegaray, “Katherine Bidegaray: Don’t be a sheep” Missoulian (December 19, 2023)

The follow quotes are can be found: Herbaugh, Hunter. "Montana Supreme Court Candidate Focused on State Constitution." Ranger-Review, 22 Nov. 2023.

• Bidegaray's campaign was describes as “'pro public lands, pro public education and pro constitution,' with a focus on the state’s constitution."  
  
• "[I]n her remarks to voters , Bidegaray spoke of her background growing up in Eastern Montana, highlighting experiences she says have shaped how she would approach her work as a supreme court justice. Growing up the daughter of immigrants who came to farm in Eastern Montana, she said she is no stranger to hard work, and after working for 14 years in private practice and 21 years as a district court judge, she feels she has the intimate knowledge of the law needed to interpret those laws in accordance with the state’s constitution."
• "In [Bidegaray's] remarks, she alluded to the actions of the state’s legislature in recent years, comparing them to an attack on a what should be a co-equal branch of government as lawmakers have reacted to decisions that the conservative majority has been notably critical of."
• “Our constitution has some very important rights, and it’s very critical that whatever is happening in the different branches of government is consistent with the rights that document provides us,” Bidegaray said things our constitution clearly provides is we have to have separation of powers... Attacks on the judiciary have been an attack on democracy.”
• “Because there has been an attack on one of our three branches on government, it’s really important that we choose people to the Supreme Court who have a strong backbone and who have a strong basis of understanding of the constitution and the laws that protect us. We need someone who is going to be prepared for doing the difficult task of upholding those rights and not just being a rubber stamp,” Bidegaray stated.