Governor Gianforte Ranked First for Advancing Freedoms

Montana named second freest state in America in Cato Institute's Freedom in the 50 States report

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana was ranked the second freest state in America in the Cato Institute's Freedom in the 50 States report. In its 2026 publication, Cato also ranked the nation's governors with Gov. Gianforte being the only governor to receive an "A" grade when looking at five categories including Firearm Freedom, Fiscal Burden, Housing Freedom, Medical Freedom, and Tech and Consumer Freedom.

"By cutting red tape, holding the line on state spending, and making bold investments in our future, we've worked hard to make Montana the best place to live, work, and raise a family," Gov. Gianforte said. "The Treasure State is a sanctuary for freedom and free enterprise, and we will continue to champion lower taxes, defend individual liberty, and foster an environment where every Montanan can achieve their American Dream."

Gov. Gianforte announces top ranking in Freedom in the 50 States report

The Freedom in the 50 States index grades every state and governor on 97 policy variables across 10 topic categories. Montana ranks second among the 50 states overall, eighth in Economic Freedom and second in Personal Freedom and in the top five freest states in Firearm Freedom, Freedom from Law Enforcement Overreach, and Housing Freedom. The report also ranks Gov. Gianforte first among all 50 governors overall and in both Economic Freedom and Personal Freedom, earning the top freedom score of 10 and an A in each category.

In the Economic Freedom category, the governor's actions and policy decisions were measured using five categories including government spending, government employment, tax burden, tax policy, and government debt. Since taking office and working with the legislature, Gov. Gianforte has delivered the largest tax cuts in state history, decreasing the number of income tax brackets from seven to two and lowered the top individual rate from 6.9 percent to 5.4 percent. In the 2027 legislative session, the governor is advocating moving Montana to a flat income tax of 4.7 percent.

In 2023, the governor signed a bill into law that paid off the state's general obligation debt saving taxpayers an estimated $40 million in principal and interest over a two-year period. In the 2025 session of the Montana State Legislature, the governor continued to limit the growth of government spending to less than 1 percent, ensuring that state spending does not outpace the rate of inflation.

In the category of Firearm Freedom, Gov. Gianforte ties for first place with Texas Governor Greg Abott with the report measuring governors based on several categories. In 2021, one of the first actions Gov. Gianforte took in office was signing into law a bill to establish constitutional carry for law abiding Montana firearm owners. In addition, the governor signed various laws that prohibit state and local enforcement from enforcing federal executive orders or gun control measures that infringe on constitutional rights. Gov. Gianforte also expanded protections for gun and ammunition manufacturers and retails against frivolous lawsuits.

In the category of Housing Freedom, Montana and Gov. Gianforte received an "A" grade from the substantial housing reforms passed in 2023 and 2025. Notable reforms include legislation that encourages development in Montana's most populated cities to allow accessory dwelling units by right and expanded duplex and multi-family housing opportunities in areas traditionally zoned for single-family homes. The governor has also championed streamlining local permitting to shorten timeline delays and lower compliance costs for homebuilders. These policies brought what some have regarded as the "Montana Miracle," the impact of the set of bipartisan land-use and housing reform laws that led to an increase the overall housing supply.

The full Freedom in the 50 States report can be viewed here.

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