This story was originally published by Daily Montanan.

Micah Drew
Daily Montanan

Montana state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy has suspended his campaign for the 2nd Congressional District citing a decline in health, but the Montana Democratic Party said April 16 it had learned of “serious sexual abuse” allegations against the longtime lawmaker from Box Elder.

The party and Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers have called on Windy Boy to resign from the Legislature.

Montana Democratic Party Chairwoman Shannon O’Brien would not disclose details about allegations, including when the alleged abuse took place.

Windy Boy, Chippewa Cree, who’s served in the Montana Legislature for 26 years, could not be reached for comment, but in a video statement on the afternoon of April 16, he said health and emotional issues from losing family members led him to suspend his campaign.

O’Brien said Windy Boy had notified her that he will drop out.

“I am deeply troubled to learn about allegations of serious sexual abuse against Mr. Windy Boy,” O’Brien said in a statement. “Montana Democrats have made it a point to stand with and fight for survivors — today is no different.”

She said she was withholding information about the allegations out of respect for victims.

“I want it to be clear to all Montanans: Democrat or not, Windy Boy should be investigated and held accountable, as should anyone else with allegations of this nature,” O’Brien continued.

Sample ballots for the 2026 primary elections have already been printed, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Flowers, the Democratic minority leader, told the Daily Montanan he had spoken to Windy Boy and asked for his resignation “as the right thing for the state and for Sen. Windy Boy’s constituents.”

He also did not provide additional details about the alleged abuse.

In a video statement posted on the Facebook page of the Fort Peck Journal, Windy Boy, speaking to the Crow Legislature at Crow Agency, said that while he got into the race believing he could represent all Montanans, his health is in decline.

“I’m putting my campaign on suspension right now. So I probably won’t be doing any more campaigning and whatnot for health reasons as well as grief reasons because of … mental issues and emotional issues of losing family members,” Windy Boy said.

Windy Boy cited vertigo and diabetes and mentioned the loss of his daughter and “cousin-brother” as additional pressure.

Windy Boy was running against Brian Miller, a Helena attorney, and Sam Lux, a Great Falls farrier in the June 2 primary. All three names will be printed on the ballots.

Miller told the Daily Montanan that he is representing an alleged victim, who he said is not from Montana, but was not officially representing them until Windy Boy had dropped out of the race.

Miller said he had been speaking to the individual in his capacity as a lawyer for several weeks, had contacted additional lawyers for them to speak with, and brought his findings to the Democratic Party about 10 days ago after finding them credible.

He would not offer any additional details.

On March 23, Miller posted on his campaign website about previous sexual harassment allegations Windy Boy had faced in 2018 that were covered by The Associated Press.

In a statement April 16, the Montana American Indian Caucus said it was “deeply concerned” about the allegations.

“The behavior described is serious and, if true, is completely unacceptable,” according to the statement. “We agree with his decision to suspend his campaign and the accountability measures that the Senate Leadership recommends. This is a very unfortunate situation, and MAIC supports a transparent and thorough investigation into these allegations, ensuring that political standing does not impede justice.’

Eight years ago, a female legislator filed a harassment complaint against then-Rep. Windy Boy, according to the AP, and an investigation report released by the Legislative Services Division substantiated the claims that Windy Boy had sent a female lawmaker harassing text messages in 2017. Windy Boy stepped down as chairman of the State-Tribal Relations Committee before he could be stripped of his position, the AP reported.

At the time, Windy Boy said he was disappointed at being identified but did not address the allegations.

Windy Boy is one of the longest-serving members of the Legislature and was named “Dean of the Senate” at the end of the 2025 session for his tenure.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated April 17th following additional reporting.

The post Montana State Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy drops out of U.S. House race, Dems allege sexual abuse appeared first on ICT.

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