Meet Bruce (Butch) Gillespie
Rancher, community leader, and candidate for Montana House District 18
About Butch
Bruce “Butch” Gillespie and his wife, Doreen, ranch in the Kevin and Ethridge area, where caring for the land and supporting agriculture have always been part of daily life.
For many years, Butch and Doreen have raised calves for youth involved in 4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock programs. They take pride in helping young people get started, learn responsibility, and find success in agriculture.
Butch has also spent much of his life serving his local community. From 4-H committees and livestock associations to school boards and community efforts, he has always believed in showing up, listening, and doing his part.
Those who know Butch know he is thoughtful, steady, and willing to listen. He believes good decisions come from asking questions, doing the research, and visiting with the people who are directly affected.
Butch believes there is always room to make things better — and that when people work together, good things can happen.
Bruce “Butch” Gillespie
Montana Roots and Ranch Life
Bruce “Butch” Gillespie currently serves as a Montana State Senator and is running for Montana House District 18. He and his wife, Doreen, ranch in the Kevin and Ethridge area, where they have built their lives around agriculture, hard work, and stewardship of the land. Ranching is more than a livelihood for the Gillespies — it is a way of life rooted in responsibility, faith, and a deep respect for rural Montana.
Investing In the Next Generation
Supporting
Youth in
Agriculture
For many years, Butch and Doreen have raised calves for youth involved in 4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock projects. They have always believed in giving young people the opportunity to learn responsibility, work ethic, and confidence through agriculture. Helping the next generation succeed has been one of the most meaningful parts of their journey.
Showing Up And Doing The Work
A Life of Community Service
Butch has always believed strong communities are built by people who are willing to get involved. Over the years, he has served through 4-H committees, livestock associations, school boards, church leadership, and agricultural organizations. Whether the work is local, regional, or statewide, he has never been one to sit on the sidelines when there is a job to be done.
Steady Leadership
Listening Before Speaking
Those who know Butch know him as thoughtful, patient, and fair-minded. He listens first, values facts over noise, and believes in understanding an issue before weighing in. When he speaks, it comes from experience, common sense, and a willingness to do the homework. He welcomes good discussion and believes better decisions come from listening to the people who live with the results.
Protecting What Matters
Focused on Agriculture and Rural Montana
As a rancher, legislator, and community leader, Butch understands the issues facing Montana families, agriculture, water, land use, schools, and rural communities. He believes there is always room to make things better and that real progress comes from working together, staying grounded, and keeping Montana values at the center of the conversation.
Practical. Grounded. Committed.
Working Together for House District 18
Butch believes great things can still be accomplished when people are willing to listen, work hard, and stay focused on what matters most. His commitment has always been to serve with honesty, common sense, and respect for the people and communities of House District 18.
