Cory Swanson
American lawyer (born 1976 or 1977)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cory James Swanson (born 1976 or 1977)[3] is an American lawyer who has served as the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court since January 2025. He was previously the Broadwater County attorney from 2014 to 2025.
1976 or 1977 (age 48–49)
University of Montana (JD)
Cory Swanson | |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court | |
| Assumed office January 6, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Mike McGrath |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cory James Swanson[1] 1976 or 1977 (age 48–49) |
| Party | Republican[2] |
| Education | Carroll College (BA) University of Montana (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | |
Years of service | 1997–present |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 1-163rd Mechanized Infantry / Combined Arms Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Operation Spartan Shield |
| Awards | Bronze Star Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal |
Education
Swanson received a Bachelor of Arts from Carroll College in 2000 and a Juris Doctor from the Alexander Blewett III School of Law of the University of Montana in 2004.[4]
Career
Swanson joined the Montana Army National Guard in June 1997 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in August 1998. He had multiple deployments to the Middle East and will retire with the rank of colonel.[5]
From 2013 to 2014, he served as deputy attorney general under then-Montana Attorney General Tim Fox.[6] He was elected as Broadwater County attorney in 2014 and subsequently re-elected in 2018 and 2022.[7]
Montana Supreme Court
In December 2023, Swanson announced his candidacy to run for position of chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court.[6] His candidacy was supported by local sheriffs[8] and the Montana Chamber of Commerce.[9] Swanson won the general election held on November 5, 2024, defeating former Federal Magistrate Judge Jeremiah Lynch.[10] He was sworn into office on January 6, 2025.[11]
Personal life
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Cory Swanson | 296,545 | 54% | |
| Nonpartisan | Jeremiah Lynch | 254,595 | 46% | |
| Total votes | 551,140 | 100.00 | ||
