Jacob Bachmeier

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

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]

Biography

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

Political career

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

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

Electoral history

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

  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.