A Lewis and Clark County district judge has rejected former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth’s bid to use legislative immunity as a defense against criminal corruption charges, clearing the way for a jury trial expected next month.

Judge Christopher Abbott issued the ruling on June 11, denying defense motions to dismiss the case against Ellsworth, a Republican from Hamilton who previously served as Senate president. Ellsworth faces charges of official misconduct stemming from allegations that he directed two no-bid state contracts to a longtime friend.

Ellsworth’s defense had argued that legislative immunity shielded him from prosecution, a claim Judge Abbott rejected outright. Ellsworth had also sought to place responsibility on his friend Bryce Eggleston, who he said drafted the contracts in question. Abbott was unmoved, writing in the ruling: “As it is elsewhere in life, however, in contracting it takes two to tango.”

Ellsworth has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A jury trial is expected in July.

The case has drawn significant attention in Montana political circles, given Ellsworth’s prominent role leading the state Senate. Official misconduct charges against a sitting or former legislative leader are rare, and the immunity question had been seen as a potentially significant procedural hurdle for prosecutors. Abbott’s ruling removes that obstacle and moves the case toward resolution on the merits.