It's Erin with another Notes from the Neighborhood. If you are new to the campaign, thanks for joining.  

We’ve been busy traveling the district and getting to know the voters. Here's a snapshot of my campaign so far.

• More than 41 days on the doors in SD41.

• Thousands of doors knocked to listen to you.

• 400+ new connections made with voters

• Five fundraising events hosted by your neighbors 

• 150 of our neighbors are endorsing me. Want to add your name? 

• Dozens of volunteers and the number is growing.  Join us!

• Seven published pieces sharing our vision, including letters to the editor from Linda Gryczan, Barbara Chilcott, and our former Mayor, Wilmot Collins. Want to write a letter to the editor? 

Neighbor by neighbor is how we build a future rooted in freedom and opportunity for the next generation. 

The party is us. Leadership belongs in the community. And every contribution, big or small, builds the future our children deserve.

What I’m Hearing Around SD41

There is a clear pattern emerging across SD41.

• The Missing Middle

  People are squeezed between rising housing costs, health care bills, and wage gaps. Families are working hard and still feeling behind.
  

  Independent voters are sharing stories about loved ones who cannot accept promotions without losing housing vouchers or health coverage. These are not data points. These are our neighbors.
  

• Housing from Every Angle

  During a recent Hometown Helena, Emily McVey of United Way shared that Helena is one of the least affordable housing communities in the country. Nationally, many early-career to midcareer workers, purchasing a home at today's prices and mortgage rates remains financially out of reach because housing supply and affordability are not keeping up.
  

  Construction costs are rising as well. Even $1,500 in additional builder costs can push a home out of reach for hundreds of buyers. At the same time, we remain thousands of units below demand.

• Health Care Costs
  A promising approach may be stronger consumer protections. I am working with Senator Olsen on draft legislation aimed at lowering costs and increasing accountability. There is more work to do, but there is momentum.
  

• Concern for Kids and Grandkids

  Across party lines, people are worried about the Montana their children will inherit. That concern extends beyond housing, health care, and education to global events as well.
  
  Many have raised questions about violence abroad, including conflict with Iran and the continued bloodshed in Palestine. Montanans are asking for honesty and accountability about our role in the world.
  

• Did You Hear?
  For the first time in years, Democrats have more statewide candidates running than Republicans. That means some of my colleagues who are unopposed can begin drafting legislation early and focus fully on Putting Montanans First.
  
  Strong leadership starts before the session begins.

What I’ve Been Working On

• Met with PPHA (Prickly Pear Housing Alliance) to hear directly from tenants about housing stability and protections.
  

• At the Mansfield Metcalf dinner, I continued strengthening relationships with colleagues from across the State. The partnerships formed through my statewide clerk campaign, working as Communications Director for Senate Democrats will serve SD41 well.
  

• Reflected on my anniversary of filing for Clerk in 2024. That campaign required courage and boldness, and the support I received meant everything. I am bringing that same energy into this race and hope you will continue to be part of it as we head toward the primary.

Mark Your Calendars

Come say hello!

• Tuesday, March 24 | 7–8  AM
  ☕ Meet & Greet @ Montago Coffee
  

• Tuesday, March 24 | 12–1 PM
  🥪 Meet & Greet @ Mt. Ascension Brewing
  

• Tuesday, March 31 | 5–6:30 PM
  🏡 Evening Gathering at the home of Tim Coulter and Sam Sanchez
  

• Every Tuesday in April | X–X:XX PM
  🍻 Hang Out @ Ten Mile Creek Brewery
  

• Monday, April 27 | 6 PM
  📚 SD41 Candidate Forum @ L&C County Main Library — attend, ask questions, and engage in the discussion!

Can’t attend but want to support this campaign? Please donate here.

Thank you for your support! I hope to see you soon.

What I’m Cooking Lately

One of my favorite Helena jobs was working at The Filling Station, now The Crepery, back when it sat on the corner of Euclid and Benton at the edge of SD41. I learned a few lessons there that still guide the campaign today: keep it simple, prepare well, and use the right tools.

At home, we don’t have a fancy crepe machine. Just a skillet, a spreader, and a spatula. The tools are simple, but the preparation makes all the difference.

While ALL of the topping options are so delicious, powdered sugar with a squeeze of lemon, can hit the spot.

Campaigns can feel complicated. But we are staying grounded in those same principles: preparation, simplicity, and a steady hand.

Thank you for being part of this community and for taking the time to read. Whether you are knocking doors, hosting gatherings, sharing concerns, contributing what you can, or simply paying attention, it all matters.

We are building this neighbor by neighbor.

Onward!
Erin

Every Montanan deserves to live in a state where:

☑️ Our constitutional freedoms are protected
☑️ We can count on strong public schools
☑️ Future generations can fish, hunt, and explore the lands that make this place home
☑️ Hard work leads to stability, not stress over housing or childcare
☑️ The wealthy don’t get a free ride while the rest of us pay the price

There is so much to do and so many ways to plug in, connect with neighbors, and be part of this team.

Here are a few ways to get involved today:

• Make a donation — every dollar helps us reach more voters

• Endorse the campaign — your public support helps build trust and persuades others to join us.

• Sign up to knock doors — or volunteer in other ways

• Host a yard sign — help show your support visibly

• Write a letter to the editor — your voice matters

• Share our campaign — forward this email or tag us on social Facebook & Instagram 

Have something else in mind? Let us know here.

Together, we can protect what matters most and build a better future for all of us.

I’d be honored to have your support.

Checks can also be made out directly to: Erin 4 Montana, P.O. Box 141 Helena, MT 59624.