In the news
The campaign in the news.
Op-eds
Daily Inter Lake · September 8, 2026
Guest opinion: County did lower taxes, just not by what your bill says
Two charges moved off the county’s subtotal line in 2023, which makes the county’s property tax cut look $136.66 bigger than it was on the average home — with a calculator that lines up your 2021 and 2025 bills on the same items.
From supporters
Daily Inter Lake · October 19, 2026
Letter: Leaders should protect the valley
A Bigfork reader backs Nathan for commissioner after hitting a wall with the county over a gravel and asphalt operation planned near their neighborhood.
Coverage
Daily Inter Lake · October 21, 2026
Whitefish Democratic candidate for Flathead County commissioner outlines plans for the position
The Inter Lake’s general-election profile of Nathan: his case for a fresh perspective on an all-Republican commission, better pay for county staff and catching up on deferred maintenance, a 20-year plan that steers new homes toward the cities, a transfer of development rights program in place of an open space bond, and ideas for the landfill’s biosolids problem.
Flathead Beacon · October 13, 2026
Democrat Nathan Dugan Challenges Incumbent Republican Brad Abell in Flathead County Commissioner Race
The Beacon’s general-election profile of the District 1 race: Nathan’s case for a countywide housing and land-use plan built with the cities and for planning ahead on data centers, side by side with Abell’s record on infrastructure and law enforcement.
Daily Inter Lake · June 14, 2026
Independent candidate for Flathead County commissioner misses deadline to appear on November ballot
Independent Casey Malmquist fell short of the signatures to make the November ballot, leaving the general election a two-way race between Nathan Dugan and incumbent Brad Abell.
Flathead Beacon · June 2, 2026
2026 Primary Election Results
The Beacon’s roundup of the June 2 primary — Nathan won the Democratic commissioner primary with 67%.
Flathead Beacon · May 22, 2026
Flathead County Commissioner Race: Democratic Primary Features Candidates Prioritizing Affordable Housing Crisis
The Beacon on the Democratic primary and the affordability stakes in the commissioner race.
Daily Inter Lake · May 12, 2026
Meet the Democratic candidates for Flathead County commissioner
Primary-season profiles of the Democratic candidates, including Nathan.
Flathead Beacon · March 10, 2026
Flathead County Election Filings Set Stage for Contested Races in 2026
Filing-deadline roundup of the county’s contested 2026 races.
Daily Inter Lake · March 6, 2026
Candidates enter Flathead County races
Early coverage of the county field taking shape.
Whitefish Pilot · March 3, 2026
Nathan Dugan to run against Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell
The Pilot on Nathan’s entry into the race.
Daily Inter Lake · February 24, 2026
Affordable housing advocate running for Flathead County commissioner seat
The Inter Lake’s story on Nathan’s campaign announcement.
For reporters
Working on a story? I’m easy to reach: nathan@electdugan.com, or (406) 213-5145 — call or text. Photos and a short bio are available on request.
Get involved
A Flathead we can afford to call home.
This race comes down to reaching every corner of the valley. Add your name, or chip in to keep the campaign on the road.