Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen sworn in to 2nd term

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen was officially sworn into office for her second term on Monday morning during an inauguration ceremony on the front steps of the historic State Capitol Building. Secretary Jacobsen joined Governor Greg Gianforte, Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, State Auditor-Elect Jim Brown, and Superintendent-Elect Susie Hedalen.

Each statewide official took their oath of office following their election in November.

"Four years ago, I promised to lead with a servant's heart, giving my all each day, and I promised to protect the integrity of elections and be a partner to Montana businesses," Secretary Jacobsen said of her inauguration in 2021. "I'm proud to have delivered on those promises and look forward to continuing the outstanding work in our office on behalf of Montanans."

A native Montanan born and raised in Helena, Secretary Jacobsen was elected to office in November 2020 and handily won re-election this fall. During her first term in office, Montana had a record number of new business registrations each year. Secretary Jacobsen cut registration fees in half for new Montana businesses while eliminating several other fees entirely. She also waived the annual report filing fee in 2024 and 2025, saving Montana businesses millions of dollars.

Numerous organizations and agencies have recognized Secretary Jacobsen for her efforts in reducing red tape for Montana businesses. The Mountain States Policy Center honored Secretary Jacobsen with its Elevation Award, “given to individual(s) who are committed to advancing and elevating free market principles and ideas. It is presented to a top innovator, business leader, or elected official in Idaho, Montana, and Washington.”

Last summer, Secretary Jacobsen was recognized for outstanding leadership and great work culture during a Montana Chamber of Commerce event in Bozeman. She was also invited as a featured speaker and guest at numerous business events across the state.

Secretary Jacobsen also praised the strong collaboration of the Montana Elections Team, comprised of state and local election officials. The Secretary of State's Office hosted an Election Administrator certification training event in early 2024, and election officials statewide conducted a successful and historic election cycle during June's Primary Election and November's General Election. Planning is already underway for future elections.

"Our office is proud of the many successes in the past four years, and we remain dedicated to serving the people of Montana during my second term," said Secretary Jacobsen. "Serving as your Secretary of State remains the absolute honor of my lifetime."