Erin Farris-Olsen leads with character, courage, and empathy.

Twenty years ago, I was leading a group hike and, as usual, wandered us off trail into a ravine. After a moment of uncertainty, I asked the group, “Where should we go from here?” Erin was on that hike. As the group discussed possibilities, she listened, summarized the conversation, and suggested a route based on consensus. It turned out to be the right path. That moment has stayed with me because it captures how Erin leads: she understands real leadership begins with listening.

Erin is a generation younger than me and has two children under 10 attending Helena public schools. She’s devoted her professional life to public service and nonprofit leadership, and cares about you and me. Erin will pick up the torch for a new generation, while fighting for so many things I care about — affordability, public education, public lands, and Montana’s Constitution, to name a few.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Erin on issues important to Montana, including water policy, where I’ve seen firsthand her ability to bring diverse voices to the table and find practical, durable solutions.

Erin listens carefully, respects differing viewpoints, and works collaboratively to protect the resources that sustain our communities and economy.

Being a lawmaker is a complicated job, and experience matters. Erin Farris-Olsen has been involved with the legislature for several years. She worked with constituents, helping them bring their concerns to lawmakers. She knows how to work across the aisle. During the last session, she and other partners helped defeat more than 30 bills aimed at undermining Montana's courts.

Moving forward, we will need qualified, compassionate leaders at the state and local level who will ensure that all people — citizens and immigrants alike — are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect under the law.

Erin Farris-Olsen is that leader. She is a licensed attorney with experience in public policy and law, and she understands how decisions made in Helena affect real families.