John Walsh (Montana politician)

John E. Walsh (born November 3, 1960) is the 30th and current Lieutenant Governor of Montana. He is the former Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard. A member of the Montana Democratic Party, he joined the campaign of Attorney General Steve Bullock, and was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2012.

Walsh has announced his intention to run for the US Senate in 2014.

Early life and education
Walsh was born on November 3, 1960 in Butte, Montana, and graduated from Butte High School in 1979. He attended Carroll College, received a Bachelor's degree from Regents College, the University of the State of New York (now Excelsior College) in 1990 and a Master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in 1997.

He joined the Montana Army National Guard in 1979, and received his commission in 1987.

Walsh is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Montana National Guard
He worked for the Montana National Guard for thirty years. In this capacity he led 1st Battalion, 163rd Infantry Regiment in combat in Iraq. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He also led operations of over 2,000 Guard members during Montana's 2000 wildfires.

In 2008 Walsh was appointed Adjutant General and received a state promotion to Brigadier General. He served as a the adjutant general until 2012, when he resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor. He still serves as a traditional member (one weekend drill per month, two weeks of annual training each year) of the Montana National Guard, holding the rank of Colonel.

Lieutenant Governor of Montana
During the 2012 campaign Attorney General and presumptive Democratic gubernatorial nominee Steve Bullock selected Walsh to be his running mate. The ticket won over their Republican challengers, former Congressman Rick Hill and his running mate, State Senator Jon Sonju. They assumed office in January 2013 upon the expiration of the term of Governor Brian Schweitzer and Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger.

2014 Senate Run
On October 3, 2013, Walsh announced his intention to run for the Senate in 2014. He will face Dirk Adams for the Democratic nomination, though former Montana Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger is considering entering the race.

Personal
Walsh met his wife of over 28 years, Janet, in college. The couple has two grown sons. Michael is a member of the National Guard and Taylor is pursuing an acting career.