Greg Gianforte Sworn in as Montana’s 25th Governor in Helena

The long-time dream of Greg Gianforte finally came to fruition in Helena on Monday morning as the entrepreneur and former Montana Congressman was sworn in by Judge Mary Jane Knisely of the Yellowstone County District Court as Montana’s 25^th governor.

Gianforte then spoke for several minutes to the small crowd who attended in person and on the Montana Public Affairs Network Facebook live page.

“Today's inauguration sets a new course for Montana,” said Gianforte. “Today marks a new chapter in our history. Today marks a new beginning for Montanans throughout our state because the possibilities are vast, and our potential is as boundless as our skies. I'm honored and humbled to stand before you here as the 25th governor of the great state of Montana.”

Gianforte acknowledged the huge challenge ahead of the COVID 19 pandemic, as the number of people already vaccinated is growing, and recognized those on the front lines of the pandemic.

“Throughout the grave challenges of the last year, we've seen new heroes emerge,” he said. “Healthcare workers on the frontline, who care for patients, have had to quarantine from their families and separate to put their patients first. First responders who have encountered more cries for help from greater drug use to increase domestic violence to a rise in child abuse, all as a result of pandemic induced isolation.”

Gianforte said he was certain that Montana’s economy will recover from the pandemic.

“I am confident that with vaccines and increased testing, we will get a better handle on our response to COVID-19, and I am confident that our economy will rebound,” he said. “I am confident Montanans will get back to work in good paying jobs. I am confident that we will recover. I am confident that Montanans will make our comeback.”

In closing, Gianforte looked back on America’s founding and touched on his own religious beliefs.

“In his first year as our President of this fledgling nation, George Washington established Thanksgiving,” he said. “In doing so, he wrote, and I quote, ‘it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor’ end quote. Today, I hold President Washington's wise words closely. I hope you'll join me in keeping our state and our country in our prayers.”