For immediate release: March 26, 2026

Media Contact:
Eric Semerad, Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder/Elections Administrator
eric.semerad@gallatin.mt.gov
(406)582-3060

 

Gallatin County Election Administrator Issues Statement on County Superintendent of Schools Candidate Filing

 

The Gallatin County Election Department has announced that Deanna Campbell, who filed as a candidate for Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools, will not appear on the November 2026 General Election ballot for that office.​

The Election Department received Ms. Campbell’s Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy for the office of Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools along with the required filing fee on March 3, 2026. The Primary Election ballot was certified with Ms. Campbell listed as a candidate for that office.​

Under Montana Law, candidates for the office of county superintendent of schools must meet specific statutory qualifications at the time of filing for office. One of these requirements is that a candidate must hold a valid, current class 1 professional certificate, class 2 standard certificate, or class 3 administrative and supervisory certificate issued by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.​

Upon review of her qualifications, it was determined that Ms. Campbell does not hold a qualifying, current educator or administrative certificate as specified in statute. As a result, although her filing was initially filed and she will appear on the certified Primary Election ballot, she is not legally qualified for the office and therefore will not appear on the General Election ballot in November.​

The office remains available to answer questions from candidates and the public, and Election Administrator Eric Semerad can be contacted at (406) 582-3060 or eric.semerad@gallatin.mt.gov for further information.