Missoula businesswoman Whitney Williams announced her campaign for governor of Montana on Thursday at the State Capitol.
She is the fourth Democrat to enter the governor’s race, which currently includes Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, state Rep. Casey Schreiner and former state Rep. Reilly Neill.
In an already crowded field, Williams believes her private sector business experience is what sets her apart from her fellow Democrats.
“I’m a business woman and I do believe government can do more for the people,” said Williams. “But ultimately I think I’m the best chance we have a defeating Greg Gianforte.”
Williams is the CEO of Williamsworks, which provides strategic services to corporate, non-profit and philanthropic clients.
The company’s clients have included the Gatorade, TOMS Shoes and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The sixth generation Montanan is running on a platform of protecting public lands, tackle the costs of prescription drugs and invest in small town Montana.
“I love Montana, I love my country and the Montana I grew up in is getting a little harder to find,” explained Williams. “Ultimately I believe some folks are being left behind, especially in rural communities and small towns and I think Montanans care about that.”
Williams is the daughter of the former Montana Senate Majority Leader Carol Williams and former Congressman Pat Williams, Montana’s longest serving serving congressman.
She also worked in the Clinton White House and Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign.
Williams is a graduate of the University of Montana in Political Science, Forestry, and Native American studies.
The Republican gubernatorial candidates are Gianforte, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and state Sen. Al Olszewski.
