Steve Bullock

Stephen Clark Bullock is a former American politician and lawyer who served as the 24th governor of Montana from 2013 to 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Bullock's political career includes significant roles in state government, including serving as the Attorney General of Montana prior to his gubernatorial tenure. His leadership has been characterized by a focus on issues such as public safety, access to public lands, and the promotion of bipartisanship.

Early life and career

Steve Bullock was born on April 11, 1966, in Missoula, Montana, and was raised in Helena, the state capital. He is the son of Penny Clark, who served as a school board trustee, and Mike Bullock, a teacher and administrator. Bullock graduated from Helena High School in 1984, where he met his future wife, Lisa Downs. The couple married in 1999 and has three children together. Bullock's upbringing in a politically engaged family likely influenced his career path.

Bullock pursued higher education at Claremont McKenna College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He furthered his education at Columbia Law School, graduating with honors and obtaining his Juris Doctor degree. His legal career began in 1996 when he served as chief legal counsel to Montana Secretary of State Mike Cooney. Following this role, Bullock worked for four years in the Montana Department of Justice under Attorney General Joe Mazurek, initially as executive assistant attorney general and later as acting chief deputy attorney general. During this period, he also took on the role of legislative director, where he coordinated legislative efforts for the Attorney General's office.

In 2000, Bullock ran for the position of Montana Attorney General but was unsuccessful in the Democratic primary, losing to Mike McGrath, who later became Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court. After this setback, Bullock practiced law with the firm Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C., from 2001 to 2004. He also served as an adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School during this time. Upon returning to Montana in 2004, he continued his legal career in private practice in Helena.

In 2008, Bullock successfully ran for Attorney General of Montana, defeating two other candidates in the Democratic primary. He went on to win the general election with a notable majority, receiving over 52% of the vote against Republican candidate Tim Fox. During his tenure as Attorney General from 2009 to 2013, Bullock initiated several significant programs, including the 24/7 Sobriety Program aimed at reducing repeat DUI offenses. His office also took action against monopolistic practices in the railroad industry and advocated for changes in employee classification laws, notably concerning FedEx’s tax obligations. Bullock gained national attention for his legal challenge to the Citizens United decision, defending Montana's long-standing ban on corporate campaign expenditures, although the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled against the state.

Governorship

Steve Bullock declared his candidacy for governor of Montana on September 7, 2011. He won the Democratic primary decisively, securing 87% of the vote against his opponent, Heather Margolis. Bullock selected John Walsh, the former Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard, as his running mate. In the general election held on November 6, 2012, Bullock narrowly defeated Republican candidate Rick Hill, garnering approximately 48.9% of the vote compared to Hill's 47.3%. A Libertarian candidate also participated in the election, receiving about 3.8% of the vote.

During his first term as governor, Bullock proposed a one-time $400 property tax rebate for homeowners, aimed at utilizing a portion of the state's budget surplus. However, this proposal did not progress beyond committee discussions. In 2016, Bullock sought re-election and successfully won a second term, receiving approximately 50.2% of the vote against Republican nominee Greg Gianforte. His running mate for this election was Mike Cooney, who had been appointed lieutenant governor by Bullock earlier that year to fill a vacancy. Bullock and Cooney were notable for being the only two Democrats to retain statewide offices during the 2016 elections, amidst a broader Republican victory in other state offices.

Bullock's leadership extended beyond his gubernatorial duties; he chaired the National Governors Association from 2018 to 2019. His tenure as governor was marked by a focus on various issues, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, while also emphasizing the importance of bipartisanship in governance.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his time in office, Bullock concentrated on several key policy areas that reflected his commitment to the needs of Montanans. One of his notable initiatives was the expansion of access to public lands, which included efforts to guarantee public access to rivers and streams. This initiative aligned with his broader commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of natural resources in Montana.

Bullock also prioritized education during his governorship, advocating for increased funding and support for public schools. He worked to address the challenges faced by Montana's education system, including initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students.

In addition to education, Bullock's administration focused on healthcare access and affordability. He supported efforts to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which aimed to provide health coverage to more low-income residents in Montana. This initiative was part of his broader commitment to improving public health and ensuring that all Montanans had access to necessary medical services.

After concluding his governorship in 2021, Bullock continued to engage in public discourse on issues related to governance and democracy. He was appointed to the inaugural board of directors of the Foundation for America's Public Lands by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in January 2022. In his post-gubernatorial appearances, Bullock has emphasized the importance of bipartisanship, moderation, and the preservation of democratic values.

As of 2024, Steve Bullock remains a significant figure in Montana's political landscape, being the most recent Democrat to have served both as Attorney General and Governor of the state. His career reflects a dedication to public service and a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents through various roles in government.