Peter K. Elverum, candidate for Montana House District 82
My name is Pete Elverum, an attorney and Army veteran, and I am proud to be running as a Democrat for House District 82 in Helena and the East Helena Valley. I believe voters deserve leaders who understand the challenges they face and who are committed to fighting for them.
My parents were schoolteachers who instilled in me the value of hard work and serving a purpose greater than myself. Those values continue to guide my life.
Through college and law school I spent my summers as a wildland firefighter working on Hotshot crews, engine crews and rappelling from helicopters. I graduated from Montana State University in 2006 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. I then attended Gonzaga Law School and came home to pass the Montana bar before choosing to enter active duty as an Infantry Officer.
I graduated Ranger School and Airborne and then deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Armored Division. On that deployment I saw firsthand the sacrifices our Soldiers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and officers had been making over 20 years of conflict. When the Company Commander was injured, I assumed command of the company on our remote outpost and saw us through the final three months of combat. I was honored to submit multiple valorous award recommendations for my Soldiers and humbled to receive the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge upon our return home.
I left active duty in 2014 to come home to Montana, join the National Guard and start a family with my wife, McCall. My first year back in Montana I worked for the Montana Department of Labor as an analyst in the Unemployment Insurance Division. I’ve witnessed how these benefits provide a lifeline to our working families and allow them to remain rooted in their communities. I also began taking criminal defense clients for the Helena Public Defenders office in our local courts.
In 2015, I transitioned full time to my private practice and was hired as the East Helena City Attorney. As the City Attorney, I’ve gained an intimate understanding of the housing crisis our community is facing. Working with developers and local partners, we have fostered an environment in which responsible development is possible. I am proud of the team that Mayor Harris has put together and truly believe our efforts are setting the foundation for East Helena’s next 100 years.
As the City Attorney I have also prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor offenses and work closely with law enforcement to ensure justice for our communities. My experience in public defense has given me a compassionate understanding of the criminal justice process, while being a prosecutor has also allowed me to see firsthand the challenges our law enforcement agencies face. From hiring qualified candidates to maintaining an accountable department, I have been deeply involved in rebuilding and establishing departments our communities can be proud of.
Today, I continue to serve my community as a City Attorney and as a Command Judge Advocate in the Montana National Guard. My wife and I have four young children (10, 8, 6 and 4) and are active members of Saint John’s Lutheran Church. I spend my free time coaching kindergarten soccer teams and playing in the yard with my kids. We are thankful each day to call this community home.
I have dedicated my life to serving our nation, this community and fighting for what I believe in. I look forward to continuing that fight by representing HD 82 in the Montana Legislature. I would be grateful for your support.
