SJ Howell

SJ Howell, born in 1980, has established a career marked by leadership in public advocacy and legislative service. Howell spent nearly a decade in executive roles before transitioning to elected office. They became the executive director of Montana Women Vote, where they focused on voter engagement and advocacy. In 2022, Howell was elected to the Montana House of Representatives, becoming the first non-binary individual to serve in the state legislature. Their legislative efforts include introducing House Bill 238 to expand eligibility for Montana's Best Beginnings program.

SJ Howell's political identity is marked by a unique blend of progressive advocacy and strategic coalition-building. Their legislative efforts, like House Bill 238, underscore a commitment to expanding child care access, while their vocal opposition to restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender minors reveals a deeply empathetic stance on social justice issues. Notably, Howell's refusal to be pigeonholed as the sole representative of the trans community highlights a broader, more inclusive approach to advocacy. This combination of targeted policy initiatives and principled resistance to restrictive legislation showcases Howell's ability to navigate complex political landscapes with both ideological conviction and strategic pragmatism.