Montana Candidate, 18, Stakes his Future in Politics

Two weeks after graduating from high school, Jacob Bachmeier beat a retired English professor in Tuesday's Democratic primary.

With the help of a high school classmate as his campaign manager, Bachmeier has his sights on the Republican incumbent, Rep. Stephanie Hess, in a bid to become the youngest member of the 2017 Montana Legislature.

Hill County Republican Central Committee Chairman Andrew Brekke says Bachmeier is a serious candidate. But Brekke said Hess better represents the values of the community.

Democrats recruited Jacob for the House seat after remembering how well he sparred with Hess and another Republican legislator during a high school leadership program. Jacob disagreed with the Republicans on whether guns should be allowed on school campuses.

Win or lose in November, Bachmeier is already strategizing about a long career in politics.

Reported by the Associated Press