Ratliff to head Hill County Democrats

Press release

HAVRE — The Hill County Democrats Central Committee has elected a new, but familiar, face to chair the political group. Lindsey Ratliff, a teacher and member of the Havre City Council, was elected during the group’s special convention Jan. 30.

Ratliff has been involved with the local Democrats for several years and said she’s excited to take on the new responsibility of being chair.

“I’m honored to be able to serve the party and am very excited to work with local members to win back House District 28,” Ratliff said during Sunday’s meeting. “We have a lot of energy in our group and we are ready to get back in the saddle and restore a little sanity to Montana politics.”

Ratliff is replacing Krystal Steinmetz, who recently resigned as chair, citing time commitments. Steinmetz lost a tight legislative race for HD 28 in 2020 to Republican Ed Hill. She was elected to chair the Democrats in February 2021.

“I’m thrilled to see Lindsey at the helm of the Democrats,” said Steinmetz, who works as the director of marketing and events at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line. “Lindsey understands how important it is that we elect people who truly care about our community and represent our values. She’s ready to get to work and she has a group of eager volunteers — like me — ready to help.”

Ratliff, who has lived in Havre since 2013, is married and has children. She teaches at Havre High School and she was re-elected to the Havre City Council in November 2021.

Ed Hill recently filed to run for reelection in HD 28. So far, no one else has filed for the legislative seat, which previous to Hill had been held for two terms by Democrat Jacob Bachmeier.

“While this (legislative race) may be an uphill battle, I think we have a great opportunity to recruit and elect some great common-sense local Democrats with Hi-Line values,” Ratliff said. “I look forward to working with our party to make sure the voters of Havre know they have a voice and need to be heard. Montana is starting to become unrecognizable and we need to do all we can to restore balance in Helena.”

Sunday night’s meeting saw 16 members of the Hill County Democrats attend in person and on Zoom to elect precinct committee people and executive officers. The committee opted to re-elect Cullen Hinkle as vice chair, Mia Nepoose as secretary, and Scott Strobel as treasurer. 

If people are interested in the Hill County Democrats and how they can get involved, Ratliff said, they can contact her at [email protected] .