Family members, politicians, and members of the Montana Supreme Court gathered on Monday in Helena to celebrate the swearing-in of Cory Swanson as the new Chief Justice, marking a fresh chapter in the leadership of the state’s highest court.

Swanson, aged 48, steps into this role after a decade of service as the Broadwater County Attorney. Prior to this position, he practiced in private law and was involved with the state attorney general’s office under the administration of Republican Tim Fox.

In his first address donning the black robe, Swanson recognized his status as the court’s youngest and least experienced member, noting that prior to this appointment he had never held a judicial position. His predecessor, former Chief Justice Mike McGrath, who officiated Swanson’s oath, had similarly not previously served as a judge before his own appointment 16 years ago.

Swanson expressed his eagerness to learn from the seasoned judges around him, many of whom were present during the ceremony. Earlier that day, Associate Justice Katherine Bidegaray was sworn in to fill the vacancy left by retiring Justice Dirk Sandefur.

As Chief Justice, Swanson will also act as the lead administrator for Montana’s judiciary, which encompasses the district courts. He depicted the judicial system as a “vast enterprise” and likened the management responsibilities to his experiences leading large units during his time as a colonel in the U.S. National Guard.

In his campaign for the 2024 election, Swanson highlighted the necessity to mitigate the political strife affecting the judiciary, which has been fueled by years of allegations of bias against the GOP by Republican officials. This topic was quickly revisited by GOP lawmakers during the opening sessions of the 2025 Legislature.

Despite receiving support from conservative factions and donations from Republican figures, Swanson articulated that external influences in the Supreme Court races would not sway his actions on the bench. He reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining the court’s reputation as an unbiased institution that Montanans can rely on to resolve their disputes.

“This transition is not just about the personalities in these roles,” Swanson stated regarding his and Bidegaray’s new positions. “It signifies that the court, as an institution, continues to fulfill its obligations and strives to be the best it can be.”

Leading members of the Republican Legislature, including House Majority Leader Brandon Ler and Senate President Matt Regier, have committed to advancing legislation aimed at reforming the judiciary’s operations. Many of these initiatives are anticipated to arise from a special committee on judicial oversight that met during the 2023 and 2024 interim.

Governor Greg Gianforte took the opportunity during his own inauguration speech to acknowledge Swanson’s new role on the Supreme Court. His remarks resonated with fellow Republicans who have expressed disappointment over recent court decisions that have halted GOP-endorsed laws.

“I look forward to seeing you lead the Montana Supreme Court with integrity, ensuring that our courts uphold the law and avoid political agendas,” Gianforte declared, receiving a strong round of applause from attendees. “Your commitment to our foundational principles reassures us about the judiciary’s role in safeguarding liberty in Montana.”

McGrath, the former Chief Justice, also shared his concerns about the politically charged climate that Swanson will navigate. In an interview, he voiced unease regarding legislative attempts to alter judicial processes, including proposals advocating for partisan judicial elections.

“I worry about threats to the judiciary’s independence, but I believe the public generally appreciates how the courts are functioning,” McGrath offered.

After taking the oath from McGrath, Swanson expressed gratitude for the former justice’s dedicated service and lauded his achievements in enhancing the efficiency of court operations.

As he embarks on this new journey, Swanson told the audience that he is committed to doing his utmost “not to screw this up.” The other justices congratulated him with handshakes before exiting the chamber.