Rep. Doug Flament submits resignation citing health reasons

Rep. Doug Flament, R-Lewistown, submitted his resignation due to health reasons to the Secretary of State’s Office on  Tuesday, according to his resignation letter.

“Unfortunately, I have received the diagnosis of a serious health issue that must be addressed immediately; I must leave the state to be treated,” Flament said in his letter. “Because of this unexpected situation I am not able to serve in this legislative session.”

Flament represented Fergus and Petroleum counties as the representative for House District 29 after being sworn in mid-term to fill a vacancy left by Sen. Dan Bartel, who left the position after Ryan Osmundson was appointed to be Gov. Greg Gianforte’s budget director.

“I wish for all of my colleagues who work hard for the people of Montana to instill the conservative values we share, to have a successful and productive session,” Flament wrote.

Flament’s resignation was announced on the House floor on Wednesday.

Republican Central Committees in Fergus and Petroleum counties will pick a pool of candidates to send to a joint committee of commissioners from both counties, which will appoint Flament’s replacement.

Because the Montana Legislature is in session, that process will have to occur within 15 days, according to Montana statute.