Governor Gianforte Appoints Thirteenth Judicial District Judges

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his appointment of Seth Cunningham and Edward Zink to serve on the Thirteenth Judicial District in Yellowstone County.

"As accomplished attorneys with careers distinguished by their dedication to public service, Seth and Edward will continue the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law," Gov. Gianforte said. "I look forward to their service to the people of Yellowstone County as members of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court."

Cunningham graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2000 and the University of Montana School of Law in 2009. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for nearly two decades and as an attorney at The Brown Law Firm for 16 years.

Zink graduated from the University of Montana in 1993 and University of Montana School of Law in 1998. He's served in the Yellowstone County Attorney's Office for 26 years, as well previously serving as a Special U.S. Attorney for the District for Montana for nearly a decade.

Earlier this year, the Montana State Legislature passed and the governor signed into law House Bill 913, which increased the number of judges for Yellowstone County from eight to ten.

On July 18, the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court notified the governor of the vacancies in the Thirteenth Judicial District.

On July 28, Gov. Gianforte announced he was accepting applications and nominations for the vacancies of any lawyer in good standing who had the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of a district court judge.

On August 28, the governor announced he received six applications and initiated a 30-day public comment period, which concluded on September 29, 2025.

On October 10, the governor announced an advisory council of attorneys and community leaders in Yellowstone County to assist in identifying and reviewing qualified candidates to fill the district court vacancies. The advisory council held a public meeting to consider applicants and review public comments.

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