Why I Ran for Office (And Why You Should Too!) with Montana Representative Courtenay Sprunger

Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our podcast series, "Tips From The Trail," hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day.

In this episode, Larissa is joined by Montana State Representative Courtenay Sprunger to discuss the mental discipline required to take risks, the power of saying "yes" to leadership, and how to turn big ideas into actionable legislative solutions. See highlights from the episode below and listen to the podcast to capture all of the great advice Courtenay shared about building credibility and playing the "long game" in public service.

• Every job is a stepping stone to leadership. Courtenay's path to public office began by taking on opportunities like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Target, and waiting tables. She approached every role with an eye toward the future, asking herself: "What do I need long term to be a great leader?" These early experiences taught her small business management, attention to detail, and most importantly, how to relate to people, hear from them, and be attuned to their needs. By choosing careers that put her in public-facing roles, Courtenay was practicing for public service long before she ever ran for office.
• The road is never paved in gold. Courtenay notes that if it were easy, everyone would do it, but the challenges are exactly what make the work so rewarding. She addresses a common hurdle for women—the "Confidence Gap." Many women feel they need to be 100% prepared before they jump in. However, Courtenay emphasizes that leadership requires the mental discipline to take risks and focus on what can go right rather than what could go wrong. "Every time you choose 'yes,' you get stronger in that 'yes' and you become more capable."
• Playing the "long game" builds credibility. One of the most valuable pieces of advice Courtenay offers is the importance of building a long-term track record. Whether you're serving on a city council, in the state house, or as a lobbyist, how you treat people matters. To pass complicated legislation, you need voters and constituents to trust you. That trust isn't built overnight—it's cultivated by demonstrating a consistent, trustworthy track record and constantly asking yourself: "How is this going to affect people? Am I truly listening to them?"
• Ask a LOT of questions. To be successful, you need to seek more knowledge than you think you need. Never be intimidated by what you don't know; instead, use your curiosity to become a more effective advocate for your community. Courtenay's willingness to ask questions has been a cornerstone of her effectiveness in the Montana legislature.

If you're considering a run for office, remember that representation matters. Your unique perspective and lived experience can inspire others and bring new voices into the political process. WPLN is here to help you get there! Explore free candidate training resources on our website and check out our upcoming events where you can register for virtual and in-person programs and connect with a national network of women leaders.

Check out the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Representative Courtenay Sprunger was elected to Montana House District 7 in November 2022 and has proudly served the heart of Kalispell since January 2023. She was recently re-elected in November 2024 to continue her service for the 2025–2026 term.

A fifth-generation resident of the Flathead Valley, Representative Sprunger was born and raised in Kalispell. Her family has deep roots in Montana public service; her grandmother, Mary Kay Riedel, was the first female Justice of the Peace in Montana, and her father, Gary Burt, taught at Flathead High for three decades. She is a graduate of Vanguard University and remains an active member of the Kalispell Daybreak Rotary.

Prior to her election, Representative Sprunger spent seven years on the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce board, serving as Chair in 2021. She is the founder and CEO of Big Sky Public Relations, a boutique firm specialized in infrastructure and community engagement. Her professional background as a small business owner informs her legislative focus on tax relief, infrastructure, and fostering opportunities for Montana’s residents and businesses.

In the 2025 legislative session, Representative Sprunger serves as Vice-Chair of the House Local Government Committee. She also sits on the House Rules Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Business and Labor Committee. She has been a leading voice for the "Montana way of life," championing legislation related to property tax reform, workforce development through apprenticeships, and public safety.

Connect with Representative Courtenay Sprunger on Linkedin 

WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.