Jacob Bachmeier (born January 29, 1998) is an American politician who served in the Montana House of Representatives from 2017 through 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Bachmeier was elected to office at the age of 18, making him the youngest person ever to be elected to the Montana House of Representatives.[1]

Jacob Bachmeier
Member of the Montana House of Representatives
from the 28th district
In office
January 2, 2017 – January 4, 2021
Preceded byStephanie Hess
Succeeded byEd Hill
Personal details
Born (1998-01-29) January 29, 1998 (age 26)
Havre, Montana, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materMontana State University–Northern

Biography edit

Bachmeier graduated from Havre High School and attended Montana State University–Northern.[2][3]

Political career edit

Bachmeier announced his run for the House in November 2015 when he was a senior in high school.[4][5] He turned 18 in January 2016, making him an eligible candidate for Montana public office, and picked fellow student Daniel Almas as his campaign manager.[1]

Bachmeier was elected with 53% of the vote, defeating incumbent Republican Stephanie Hess.[1] He was reelected in 2018 with 59% of the vote. In 2017, he was elected chair of the Hill County Democratic Central Committee.[6]

In January 2020, Bachmeier announced he would not run for a third term.[7]

In 2022, Bachmeier ran for a seat in the Montana Senate, seeking to represent District 12 in Great Falls. He lost to Republican Wendy McKamey.[8]

Personal life edit

Bachmeier is a Christian.[9] His great-grandfather, Charles Manuel, also served in the Montana Legislature.[1]

Electoral history edit

Montana House District 28 Democratic primary, 2016[10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jacob Bachmeier 656 54.13
Democratic Will Rawn 556 45.88
Total votes 1,212 100.00
Montana House District 28 election, 2016[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jacob Bachmeier 2,231 53.45
Republican Stephanie Hess 1,943 46.55
Total votes 4,174 100.00

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Fraser, Jayme (December 5, 2016). "New Montana lawmaker will be the youngest serving state legislator in America". Billings Gazette. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  2. ^ Hesse, Tom (January 27, 2017). "A Freshman Finds His Place in College and the Legislature". The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  3. ^ "House District 28: Hess vs. Bachmeier". Great Falls Tribune. October 14, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  4. ^ Roley, Amanda (November 16, 2015). "EXCLUSIVE: 17 year old Bachmeier lists his top issues in state". KFBB FOX Montana. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  5. ^ "18-year-old Jacob Bachmeier bases future on politics". Havre Daily News. June 10, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  6. ^ Ross, Alex (May 24, 2017). "Democrats elect Bachmeier Hill County chair". Havre Daily News. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  7. ^ Hann, Derek (January 20, 2020). "Bachmeier announces he will not run in 2020". Havre Daily News. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
  8. ^ "Montana Election Results 2022". The New York Times. November 8, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  9. ^ "Jacob Bachmeier's Biography". Project VoteSmart. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  10. ^ "MT State House 028 - D Primary 2016". Our Campaigns. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  11. ^ "MT State House 028 2016". Our Campaigns. Retrieved August 10, 2017.