Judy Martz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Judy Martz
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Martz in 2003
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| 22nd Governor of Montana | |
| In office January 1, 2001 – January 3, 2005 |
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| Lieutenant | Karl Ohs |
| Preceded by | Marc Racicot |
| Succeeded by | Brian Schweitzer |
| 31st Lieutenant Governor of Montana | |
| In office January 6, 1997 – January 1, 2001 |
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| Governor | Marc Racicot |
| Preceded by | Denny Rehberg |
| Succeeded by | Karl Ohs |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Judith Helen Morstein
July 28, 1943 Big Timber, Montana, U.S. |
| Died | October 30, 2017 (aged 74) Butte, Montana, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Harry Martz
(m. 1965) |
| Education | Montana State University, Billings |
Judith Helen Martz (born July 28, 1943 – died October 30, 2017) was an important American politician, businesswoman, and even an Olympic speed skater! She was a member of the Republican Party. Judy Martz made history as the 22nd governor of Montana from 2001 to 2005. She was the first and only woman to be the governor of Montana. Before that, she served as the Lieutenant Governor of Montana from 1997 to 2001.
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Early Life and Education
Judy Martz was born on July 28, 1943, in Big Timber, Montana. Her birth name was Judith Helen Morstein. She finished high school in Butte in 1961 and later went to Eastern Montana College. Her father worked as a miner and rancher, and her mother had many jobs, including cook and motel maid.
Judy Martz's Career Journey
Judy Martz had a very interesting career before becoming a politician.
Olympic Speed Skater
She was a talented speed skater and competed in the 1964 Winter Olympics. She raced in the 1500 meters event. Judy Martz was one of the first two women from Montana to ever compete in the Olympics! She was also crowned Miss Rodeo Montana in 1962.
Business Owner
With her husband, Harry, Judy Martz owned and ran a garbage disposal service in her hometown of Butte. This showed her skills as a businesswoman.
Lieutenant Governor of Montana
In 1996, Judy Martz became the first woman to be elected Lieutenant Governor of Montana. She served in this role from 1997 to 2001, working alongside Governor Marc Racicot.
Governor of Montana
After serving as Lieutenant Governor, Judy Martz decided to run for governor.
Becoming Governor
In the year 2000, Judy Martz won the Republican primary election. She then went on to win the general election against her Democratic opponent, Mark O'Keefe. She won with 51 percent of the votes. This made her Montana's first female governor, which was a big moment for the state!
Time as Governor (2001–2005)
When Judy Martz became governor, one of her first big achievements was increasing the education budget. This was the largest increase in Montana's history! She also worked to cut taxes, hoping to help the state's economy grow.
In 2001, there were questions about a real estate deal from 1999 involving her family and a company called ARCO. Some people thought she might have helped ARCO when she was Lieutenant Governor. However, after an investigation, the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices found that these claims were not true.
Governor Martz decided not to run for re-election in 2004. As her time in office ended, she campaigned for President Bush in other states. She also worked with the new governor, Brian Schweitzer, to make sure the change in leadership went smoothly.
Later Career and Community Work
After her time as governor, Judy Martz continued to be active in her community. In 2005, she led a group that supported John Roberts, who was nominated to the Supreme Court.
She also served on the boards of several important organizations, including:
- Maternal Life International
- University of Montana Western
- Big Sky State Games
- TASER International (a company that makes equipment for law enforcement)
Personal Life and Family
Judy Martz married her husband, Harry, in 1965. They had two children, a son named Justin and a daughter named Stacey Jo.
Sadly, on November 11, 2014, it was announced that Judy Martz had pancreatic cancer. She passed away from the disease on October 30, 2017, in Butte, Montana. She was 74 years old.
See also
- List of female governors in the United States
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
