Michael R. "Mike" Cooney (born September 3, 1954) is an American politician associated with the Democratic Party. He has held several prominent positions in Montana state government, including serving as the 36th lieutenant governor from January 4, 2016, to January 4, 2021. Cooney's career spans service in both chambers of the Montana Legislature and a long tenure as the state's Secretary of State.
Early political career
Cooney entered elected office in the late 1970s, winning a seat in the Montana House of Representatives and serving from 1977 until 1981. Beginning public service at a relatively young age, he built a foundation in state-level policymaking and constituent work that informed later statewide campaigns and executive roles.
Major offices held
Over his career Cooney has held a sequence of legislative and statewide posts:
- Montana House of Representatives, 1977–1981
- Secretary of State of Montana, 1989–2001
- Montana Senate, 2003–2011
- President of the Montana Senate, 2007–2009
- Lieutenant Governor of Montana, 2016–2021
As Secretary of State he administered election processes and business filings for the state; as a state senator he rose to the chamber's presidency, a role that includes directing legislative proceedings and helping shape the upper chamber's agenda.
Elections and campaigns
Cooney has sought Montana's governorship on more than one occasion. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2000 and was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2020. In the 2020 general election he was defeated by the Republican candidate, concluding his term as lieutenant governor shortly afterward. Throughout his campaigns he emphasized themes common to Montana politics, such as local control, public services, and economic opportunities for rural communities.
Cooney's longevity in Montana public life reflects decades of experience across administration and legislation. He is recognized within the state's political landscape as a seasoned Democratic figure with both executive office experience and legislative leadership, making him a familiar presence in discussions about Montana governance and policy.