MISSOULA, MT — A new chapter in Ravalli County’s political representation has begun as Terry Nelson takes on the role of Montana State Representative for House District 87. Appointed just halfway through the legislative session, Nelson, a long-time political figure and business owner, is eager to dive into the responsibilities of his new position.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Nelson, reflecting on his swift transition from a local community leader to a lawmaker. Just a week ago, his name was suggested to fill the vacancy left by Rep. Ron Marshall, who resigned citing concerns about corruption and a lack of public voice in the state legislature. By Monday, Nelson was officially appointed by the Ravalli County Commissioners; by Tuesday, he had been sworn in; and by Wednesday, he attended his first meeting with lawmakers.
The transition, though quick, feels like an exciting adventure to Nelson. “I love adventure. I feel like I’m going on a new adventure,” he said, describing his feelings toward the new role. Nelson’s appointment came as a surprise to him, with the decision to step into the legislature coming only the Thursday before the official appointment.
Though Nelson has been active in the Republican Party for over 20 years, he has primarily worked behind the scenes in various committees. Representing House District 87, which includes the communities of Victor, Pinesdale, and Stevensville, Nelson now finds himself at the forefront of Montana’s legislative process.
“I’ve been involved in local government, the political scene, and as a private businessperson,” Nelson explained. “I’ve got a really good sense of the citizens of Ravalli County, and I plan on representing them in what I know they believe.” As a native of Stevensville, Nelson brings a personal connection to the region he now represents.
Taking over the seat vacated by Ron Marshall, Nelson is stepping into a role that carries significant weight. Marshall’s resignation was fueled by his dissatisfaction with what he viewed as corruption and the dominance of lobbyists in Montana’s legislative system. He had also voiced frustration with the lack of public voice in the decision-making process. Nelson, who has long been involved in local government and community activism, plans to represent his constituents by bringing a strong public voice to the legislature.
“I know that Representative Marshall was talking about lobbyists and backdoor deals,” Nelson said. “I hope it’s not as ugly as he’s portraying it to be, and I will do everything I can to try to make it not so ugly.”
Now, with his appointment official, Nelson will spend the next few days settling into his new role. He plans to meet with the Speaker of the House and legislative staff to finalize necessary paperwork before heading to the Capitol to begin his work. Despite the challenges ahead, Nelson’s goal remains clear: to serve the citizens of Ravalli County with integrity and transparency.
As the legislative session continues, eyes will be on Nelson to see how he navigates the complexities of the Montana Legislature and whether he can fulfill his promises of bringing a fresh, transparent approach to the political process.
