The West Can Be Wild.

We can help you navigate it.

Getting results in Montana’s legislative and political process takes more than good intentions. It takes discipline, experience, and strategy.

With nearly two decades in campaigns, PAC compliance, association management, issue advocacy, public relations, and government affairs, Western Consulting cuts through complexity and moves your priorities forward.

Our Approach

Western Consulting is led by principal consultant Shelby DeMars, who works directly with her clients and brings a hands-on, experienced approach to the work. We are intentionally selective and limit the number of clients we take on so each receives the attention and thoughtful strategy their work deserves—and we never represent competing or conflicting interests.

This selectivity allows us to work as a true partner—not just a service provider. We believe you deserve a trusted ally who is in the trenches with you. With focused attention and a shared commitment to the work, we deliver stronger, more consistent outcomes. Shelby is also a Partner at The Montana Group, the largest government relations and public affairs firm in Montana, providing clients access to additional government affairs and political resources and capabilities when needed—without sacrificing the direct, hands-on approach that defines Western Consulting.

Our approach is straightforward: ethical, practical, and outcome-driven.

Clear-Eyed
Consulting

Principal consultant and lobbyist Shelby DeMars takes a practical, grounded approach to government affairs and lobbying. She focuses on giving clients clear, unvarnished input and helping them understand both the opportunities and the challenges in front of them. She’s direct with clients about what will work, what won’t, and what it will take to move an issue forward.

Her experience working with political campaigns informs how she evaluates public policy and perception, helping clients navigate Montana’s policymaking process with strategies grounded in reality.

About
Shelby DeMars

Shelby DeMars is a Montana-based government affairs consultant and lobbyist with nearly two decades of experience in political campaigns, public policy, and issue advocacy.

She began her career working on targeted legislative races and has since held senior roles on statewide and federal political campaigns, including serving as Deputy Finance Director for a gubernatorial campaign, Communications Director for a congressional campaign, and Campaign Manager for several statewide and congressional races. Her experience spans candidate campaigns, ballot initiatives, and issue advocacy efforts.

In addition to her campaign work, Shelby has represented corporate and non-profit clients through multiple legislative sessions, advocating on a wide range of issues, including local government, taxation, public safety, natural resource development, agriculture, and property rights. She has also managed statewide associations, providing both operational leadership and strategic issue advocacy.

Shelby is a graduate of Carroll College, where she earned degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Business.

Specialties

Strategic government affairs consulting and issue advocacy that deliver real outcomes

Government Relations

We guide clients through every stage of the legislative process—analyzing bills, identifying risks and opportunities, and developing a strategy that holds up as the process unfolds. We engage directly with legislators, staff, and stakeholders to ensure your position is clearly understood and taken seriously. Whether the goal is to pass legislation, shape it, or stop it, we stay involved from start to finish—adjusting strategy as needed and keeping you informed without unnecessary noise.

Grassroots Advocacy

We turn awareness into action. Effective issue advocacy doesn’t stop at the Capitol—and often the best public policy strategies are bolstered by meaningful outreach from local voices to elected officials. We help build and mobilize coalitions that give your issue broader credibility and staying power. That means identifying the right voices, organizing outreach, and creating opportunities for supporters to engage in ways that meaningfully resonate with decision-makers. The focus is on building support that is real, visible, and sustained—not one-time bursts of activity.

Crisis Communications & Media Relations

When pressure is high, clarity matters. We help you respond quickly and thoughtfully in situations where the stakes are high and the margin for error is small. That includes message development, media engagement, strategic communications, and internal coordination to ensure everyone is aligned. The goal isn’t just to react—it’s to maintain credibility, control the narrative where possible, and position you to move forward once the immediate issue has passed.

Political Consulting

We help campaigns operate with focus and discipline—so they don’t just run, they compete. We bring a practical understanding of what resonates with Montana voters and what it takes to execute a political campaign effectively from start to finish. From statewide initiatives to targeted candidate races, we help political campaigns stay organized, on message, and positioned to win—whether that means building from the ground up or refining an existing effort.

Association Management

We provide the operational backbone that keeps organizations functioning and effective. That includes managing membership, coordinating communications, organizing meetings, and keeping leadership informed and aligned. We handle the day-to-day details that keep things moving, so leadership can stay focused on the organization's main priorities. We also help maintain engagement—ensuring members stay informed, involved, and connected to the organization’s work. The goal is simple: an organization that runs smoothly, communicates clearly, and is positioned to be effective when it matters.

Contact Us

Need help navigating government affairs in Montana?
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