Brad Abell
Republican · MT · Flathead County Commissioner, District 1
Brad Abell has represented District 1 on the Flathead County Commission since 2021. Abell's priorities are a fiscally sound budget, a larger county jail with a mental health wing, and keeping Flathead County from becoming a sanctuary county for immigrants.
Where Brad Abell stands, based on their records
Supports
Public Safety and Crime Control (1 record), Housing Affordability (1 record), Public Infrastructure (1 record)
Opposes
Government Spending Reduction (2 records), Social Programs and Welfare (1 record)
Track record
Track record — Government Spending Reduction
Government Spending Reduction · 2 oppose
Voted with the full commission to put a $105 million bond for a new, larger county jail on the November 2025 ballot.
August 7, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: dailyinterlake.com
Voted to accept $4.5 million in state money for a homebuyer help program. He was the only yes vote, and the plan failed 2-1.
December 31, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: flatheadbeacon.com
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 1 support
Voted with the full commission to put a $105 million bond for a new, larger county jail on the November 2025 ballot.
August 7, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: dailyinterlake.com
Track record — Housing Affordability
Housing Affordability · 1 support
Voted to accept $4.5 million in state money for a homebuyer help program. He was the only yes vote, and the plan failed 2-1.
December 31, 2024Supports Housing Affordability
Source: flatheadbeacon.com
Track record — Social Programs and Welfare
Social Programs and Welfare · 1 oppose
Signed a commission letter that blamed local shelters and homeless services for rising homelessness and urged residents to stop giving help to homeless people.
January 23, 2023Opposes Social Programs and Welfare
Source: montanafreepress.org
Track record — Public Infrastructure
Public Infrastructure · 1 support
Voted with the full commission to put a $105 million bond for a new, larger county jail on the November 2025 ballot.
August 7, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: dailyinterlake.com
Track record — General
General · 8 records
Was endorsed by the Flathead County Republican Central Committee for County Commissioner, District 1, in the 2026 primary.
March 14, 2026
Source: flatheadrepublicans.com
Told residents urging the county to cut ties with federal immigration agents that the county is not a sanctuary county and must follow the law.
January 27, 2026
Source: dailyinterlake.com
Was unanimously voted chair of the Flathead County Commission for 2026.
January 6, 2026
Source: dailyinterlake.com
Told a Guardian reporter that the family breakdown behind homelessness "began with Black families." He later said his words were taken out of context.
January 29, 2025
Source: montanarightnow.com
Published a message on the county website blaming out-of-state homeless people for crime. He said handouts from residents draw them to the area.
August 17, 2023
Source: flatheadcounty.gov
Was voted chair of the Flathead County Commission for 2023, his first year leading the three-member board.
January 3, 2023
Source: flatheadbeacon.com
Voted with the majority to deny considering the West Glacier Vision Plan as part of the county growth plan. The vote was 2-1.
November 22, 2022
Source: flatheadbeacon.com
Won election to the Flathead County Commission, District 1, defeating Democrat Kristen Larson.
November 3, 2020
Source: flatheadbeacon.com
Past race Brad Abell ran in:
- County Commissioner District 1 · November 3, 2026 · Flathead County, Montana · incumbent