Former longtime Montana U.S. Representative Pat Williams has died
Williams was a member of a famous family.
For nearly 20 years, Pat Williams was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Montana. He passed away on June 25, 2025.
Tributes have been paid to Williams on a bi-partisan basis. His fellow Democrats to do so include Max Baucus, a former U.S. Senator, Representative and Ambassador to China; ex Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and State Senate and House of Representatives Minority Leaders Pat Flowers and Katie Sullivan. Among the officials on the Republican side have been current Governor Greg Gianforte, former Governor and Republican National Committee Chairman Marc Racicot, U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representatives Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing.
In 1966, Williams was elected to the Montana House of Representatives from the 23rd District, which at the time was located in the state’s southwest. After winning a second campaign in 1968, he joined the staff of U.S. Representative and future U.S. Senator John Melcher.
Williams first won a seat in the U.S. House in 1978. Initially running in the 1st District of Montana, he eventually became the state’s lone member of the House. He did not seek another term in 1996 and he was succeeded by Republican Rick Hill.
John Patrick Williams was a native of Helena, Montana. He attended the University of Montana, William Jewell College and the University of Denver. Additionally, he served in the United States Army.
In 1965, he married Carol Griffith. Carol also became a prominent politician, eventually becoming Majority Leader of the Montana Senate and the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2000. The couple’s son Griff is a noted artist and their daughter Whitney has also been active in politics.
Among Williams’ cousins was Robert Craig Knievel, better known by his stage name Evel Knievel. Knievel was a world-famous motorcycle stuntman, though his career was hindered at times over the years by controversy, legal and otherwise. His son Robbie also became a renowned stunt performer. The senior Knievel died in 2007 and the younger followed in 2023.