Since Montana became a state in 1889, nineteen men have held the office of Secretary of State. Frank Murray holds the record for the longest term in office: 24 years, from 1957 to 1981. The record for the shortest term goes to Robert Hawkins, who served for not quite two months in 1927.
In 1992, Montanans passed a constitutional initiative (CI 64) establishing limits on how long legislators and elected executive officers can hold office. As a result, beginning with Secretary of State Bob Brown, no one may serve longer than eight consecutive years in the position.
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Brad Johnson
January 2005 - Present
Republican |
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Bob Brown
January 2001 - January 2005
Republican |
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Mike Cooney
January 1989 - January 2001
Democrat |
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Verner Bertelsen
April 1988 - January 1989
Republican
(Appointed) |
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Jim Waltermire
January 1981 - April 1988
Republican
(Died while in office) |
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Frank Murray
January 1957 - January 1981
Democrat |
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S.C. Arnold
June 1955 - January 1957
Republican (Appointed) |
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Sam W. Mitchell
January 1933 - June 1955
Democrat
(Died while in office) |
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William E. Harmon
January 1929 - January 1933
Republican |
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John W. Mountjoy
April 1928 - January 1929
Democrat |
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William Powers
May 1927 - April 1928
Party affiliation unknown (Resigned) |
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Robert N. Hawkins
March 1927 - April 1927
Democrat
(Resigned)
|
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Charles T. Stewart
January 1917 - March 1927
Republican
(Impeached, resigned) |
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Adelbert M. Alderson
January 1913 - December 1916
Democrat |
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Thomas M. Swindlehurst
August 1911 - January 1913
Democrat |
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Abraham N. Yoder
January 1905 - August 1911
Republican
(Died while in office) |
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George M. Hays
January 1901 - January 1905
Democrat |
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T.S. Hogan
January 1897 - January 1901
Populist |
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Louis Rotwitt
November 1889 - January 1897
Republican |
