Derrick Watkins is the sitting U.S. Senator from Montana, known for his populist firebrand approach and relentless advocacy for rural America. Derrick has spent his first term in Washington fulfilling the promise he made to voters: to be the unfiltered, unapologetic voice of Montana. Raised in a working-class household in Bozeman, Derrick built his reputation as a high school teacher and football coach before entering politics. His years in the classroom shaped his deep commitment to education, personal accountability, and standing up for ordinary people—values that continue to define his political career. Frustrated by what he called "bureaucratic rot," Derrick won his first election with a grassroots campaign built on directness, conviction, and a fierce defense of Montana values. During his first term in the Senate, he gained national attention for challenging leadership on both sides of the aisle. Whether pushing back on federal land grabs, demanding reforms in rural healthcare and education, or delivering impassioned floor speeches defending the Constitution, Derrick built a profile as a fiercely independent conservative with no interest in towing the party line. His critics call him blunt. His supporters call him real. Despite the political pressure in Washington, Derrick remains deeply connected to his constituents. He continues to host frequent town halls across the state, rarely travels without his worn notebook filled with handwritten questions from voters, and still attends Friday night football games in Gallatin County when he’s home. Though his style is confrontational, his loyalty to the people of Montana is unwavering. Derrick is once again taking his fight to the ballot box — determined to protect Montana from federal overreach and keep power where he believes it belongs: in the hands of the people.