In a significant development for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Montana Senator Barry Usher has been elected as the organization’s new vice president. This bipartisan body represents the 7,386 state lawmakers and over 30,000 legislative staff across the United States.*
Usher, who will serve a one-year term as vice president, is poised to advance to president-elect in the subsequent year, ultimately assuming the role of NCSL president at the 2026 Legislative Summit in Chicago. The NCSL presidency alternates between parties annually, with Utah Senate President Pro Tempore Wayne Harper (R) recently elected as president and Illinois Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. designated as president-elect.
Usher, who has a storied career in Montana politics, expressed his commitment to fostering bipartisanship within NCSL. “At NCSL, bipartisanship and collaboration take precedence over everything else. As the next vice president, I will strive to not only encourage collaboration across party lines but also advocate for my fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle,” Usher said.
Having served in the Montana House of Representatives from 2017 to 2022 before being elected to the Montana Senate in 2022, Usher currently holds the positions of majority whip and vice chair of the Judiciary Committee under Senate President Jason Ellsworth. His active role with NCSL includes co-chairing the Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Standing Committee.
Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth praised Usher’s election. “Anyone who knows Senator Usher knows how dedicated he is to NCSL and the success of state legislatures across the country. It’s an honor for Montana to have one of our senators taking on this important national role,” Ellsworth said.
Usher’s background includes service in the U.S. Coast Guard, a career in law enforcement, and entrepreneurship following early retirement. A strong community leader, he serves on multiple boards in the Red Lodge area and became involved in state politics to address issues with public access. Throughout his legislative career, Usher has focused on law enforcement and criminal justice reform.
The National Conference of State Legislatures, a nonpartisan organization, provides research, technical assistance, and a platform for policymakers to exchange ideas on critical state issues. NCSL also advocates for state interests within the American federal system.
By: Montana Newsroom staff
