By: Great Falls Tribune
HELENA — Troy Downing won over two other Republicans and Shane Morigeau defeated a fellow Democrat on Tuesday for the state auditor’s seat, according to election results.
Downing ran against fellow Republicans Nelly Nicol and Scott Tuxbury and Morigeau defeated fellow Democrat Michael Winsor.
The general election is Nov. 3.
The agency regulates insurance and securities and notes on its website that it serves as an advocate for Montana. It serves as a criminal justice agency that protects consumers.
The auditor, also known as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, serves on the state Land Board as well, along with the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction. The board, through the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, manages the state’s trust lands, which benefit schools and other institutions. In 2019, this fund distributed $46 million.