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Andy Shirtliff
2022 - Present
2026
3
Andy Shirtliff is a member of the Helena City Commission in Montana. He assumed office on August 30, 2022. His current term ends on January 5, 2026.
Shirtliff is running for election for Mayor of Helena in Montana. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. He advanced from the primary on September 9, 2025.
Shirtliff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Andy Shirtliff was born in Montana. He graduated from Flathead High School, attended Flathead Valley Community College, and received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montana. His professional experience includes working in public relations for the Montana Department of Commerce and as executive director of the Montana Building Industry Association. As of 2024, Shirtliff was affiliated with Montana Ambassadors, the Montana Economic Developers Association, Forward Montana, Montana Democratic Party Executive Board, Helena College, Montana Young Professionals, Helena Young Professionals, and Leadership Montana.[1][2]
2025 battleground election
Ballotpedia identified the September 9, 2025, nonpartisan primary election as a battleground race. The summary below is from our coverage of this election, found here.
On September 9, 2025, Andy Shirtliff and Emily Dean advanced from the nonpartisan primary for mayor of Helena, Montana. Shirtliff received 48.33% of the vote and Dean received 36.53%.[3] The general election is on November 4, 2025.
Sonda Gaub, Braxton Hudson, and Chris Riccardo also ran in the nonpartisan primary. This election was the first since 2001 in Helena to require a primary for mayor.[4] According to KTVH, state law "requires local governments to hold primaries if at least five candidates are running for any single position."[4]
Incumbent Wilmot Collins did not run for re-election. Although the position of mayor was officially nonpartisan, Collins was a Democrat.[4][5]
The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters of the Helena Area co-hosted a "Speed Date Your Candidates" event on August 7, 2025. Dean, Hudson, Riccardo, and Shirtliff attended the event. Each spoke at a podium for three minutes before sitting at separate tables where voters asked each candidate questions in speed dating format. Three attendees told KTVH that voters questioned the candidates about parking, homelessness, water issues, affordable housing, transportation, innovation, and strategies to retain Helena's residents.[6]
KTVH asked every candidate whether they supported Helena Public Schools’ proposed $283 million bonds, which appeared on the same ballot as the mayoral race. The bonds would support the renovation and rebuilding of select schools in Helena.[7] Dean, Hudson, Riccardo, and Shirtliff supported the bond, while Gaub did not.[8]
Dean was the director of engagement for the Montana School Boards Association. She was elected to the Helena City Commission in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. She served as mayor pro tem as of August 2025. Dean said, "As Mayor, my focus will be on modernizing our infrastructure, supporting responsible policies to increase affordable housing, and ensuring quality city services that meet the needs of all residents."[9] Collins and Helena City Commissioner Sean Logan endorsed Dean.[10]
Gaub was a former teacher and vice chair of the Helena Citizens’ Council. She said, "I’m running for mayor because I want [to] live in a 5-star city. I believe that government’s prime job is to provide superior Services — Transparent civics — Action driven solutions — excellent Representation — and disciplined Stewardship."[11][8] Gaub said she was "focused on fostering trust in local government, strengthening public safety, supporting small businesses, and restoring respect for Helena's voters."[12]
Hudson was a receptionist at Associated Dermatology. He said, "As we grow, we will need to invest in our public systems to adapt with changes we are already seeing. We need to increase affordable housing, repair our sidewalks, address traffic and parking concerns, and look into expanding our Capital Transit busses into a more robust system. As your mayor, I will make sure these key issues and others are addressed by the city."[13][14]
Riccardo was the co-founder of Omerta Arts. He said, "I’m not running because I have all the answers. I’m running because I believe in us – in our capacity to solve problems creatively, to bridge differences with understanding, and to paint a vision of Helena where every person feels valued and heard. This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about the single mother working two jobs who deserves safe, affordable housing. It’s about the veteran who needs accessible services. It’s about the entrepreneur with a vision for downtown, the teacher shaping young minds, the retiree who has given so much to this community and deserves our care in return."[15][16]
Shirtliff was the executive director of the Montana Building Industry Association. He was appointed to the Helena City Commission in 2022. Shirtliff said as commissioner he "has led collaborative efforts with downtown business owners, tenants and workers to find parking solutions; joined businesses and event planners in working toward a streamlined city permitting process; and worked with city officials to keep events on the Walking Mall."[17] He said as mayor "he will focus on improving city services and communication, champion housing solutions and encourage entrepreneurship."[18]
Helena has a council-manager system. In this form of municipal government, an elected city council, which includes the mayor and serves as the city's primary legislative body, appoints a city manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations and implement the city council's policy and legislative initiatives.[19]
Elections
2025
See also: Mayoral election in Helena, Montana (2025)
General election
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
General election for Mayor of Helena
Emily Dean and Andy Shirtliff are running in the general election for Mayor of Helena on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)  | |
 | Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Mayor of Helena
Andy Shirtliff and Emily Dean defeated Sonda Gaub, Chris Riccardo, and Braxton Hudson in the primary for Mayor of Helena on September 9, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan) | 48.3 | 5,468 |
| ✔ | | Emily Dean (Nonpartisan) | 36.5 | 4,133 |
 | Sonda Gaub (Nonpartisan) | 8.6 | 969 | |
 | Chris Riccardo (Nonpartisan) | 3.1 | 347 | |
 | Braxton Hudson (Nonpartisan) | 2.9 | 328 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.6 | 68 | ||
| Total votes: 11,313 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Election campaign finance
Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices. Click here to access those reports.
Satellite spending
- See also: Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[20][21]
If available, satellite spending reports by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and OpenSecrets.org are linked below. FEC links include totals from monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports. OpenSecrets.org compiles data from those reports as well as 24- and 48-hour reports from the FEC.[22]
Details about satellite spending of significant amounts and/or reported by media are included below those links. The amounts listed may not represent the total satellite spending in the election. To notify us of additional satellite spending, email us.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2023
General election
The general election was canceled. Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan) won without appearing on the ballot.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Shirtliff in this election.
2018
General election
General election for Montana Public Service Commission District 5
Incumbent Brad Johnson defeated Andy Shirtliff in the general election for Montana Public Service Commission District 5 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Brad Johnson (R) | 57.8 | 60,434 |
| Andy Shirtliff (D) | 42.2 | 44,103 | |
| Total votes: 104,537 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Montana Public Service Commission District 5
Andy Shirtliff defeated Tyrel Suzor-Hoy and Henry Clay Speich in the Democratic primary for Montana Public Service Commission District 5 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Andy Shirtliff | 64.3 | 12,783 |
 | Tyrel Suzor-Hoy | 22.0 | 4,382 | |
| Henry Clay Speich | 13.7 | 2,729 | ||
| Total votes: 19,894 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Montana Public Service Commission District 5
Incumbent Brad Johnson advanced from the Republican primary for Montana Public Service Commission District 5 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Brad Johnson | 100.0 | 29,589 |
| Total votes: 29,589 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Andy Shirtliff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shirtliff's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I currently serve as your City Commissioner, and I am honored to be running for Mayor of Helena.
As Commissioner, I have focused on our foundational priorities: Our People, Our Places, and Our Prosperity. We have approved thousands of new homes, invested millions in affordable housing and infrastructure, and delivered solutions on parking, events, permitting, and keeping our downtown vibrant.
I also serve as Executive Director of a statewide housing organization advocating for affordable and attainable homes. I chair the Helena Farmers Market board, lead an economic development group, and volunteer with the Red Cross and other local nonprofits.
What drives me is showing up, listening, and leading together. I believe in strong communication, smart city services, safe neighborhoods, and a resilient local economy. That is why I am running for Mayor: to be your ambassador, liaison, and champion as we work together to build a more livable, vibrant, and prosperous Helena for everyone.- Our People: Improve city services and communication, encourage efficiencies, strengthen critical infrastructure for our growing community, and prioritize public safety by supporting the firefighters, police officers, and detectives who keep Helena safe.
- Our Places: Champion housing solutions, create safe, accessible, and connected neighborhoods through better roads and sidewalks, preserve our history, and protect parks, trails, and open spaces for future generations.
- Our Prosperity: Encourage entrepreneurship, streamline permitting, invest in our downtown, promote our community, and work with Helena’s small businesses and strategic partners to build a strong, resilient local economy.
Listening goes beyond just hearing words. It means truly understanding the challenges families, seniors, business owners, and neighbors face every day. I have met people who choose between paying for medicine or a parking ticket, and that drives home the real-life impact our decisions have. An elected official has to be open to all voices, even when they are hard to hear, and bring those perspectives into policymaking.
But listening alone is not enough. Leadership also means having the courage and focus to find practical solutions. That often means tough choices and compromise. It is about bringing people together, residents, businesses, and city staff, to build consensus and move forward. Transparency and honest communication are key so people know what is happening and why.
Above all, an elected official should lead with empathy and integrity. We are here to serve the public, not ourselves or special interests. When decisions are made with people’s everyday lives in mind, the results are stronger neighborhoods, safer streets, and a more vibrant community.
I bring practical experience from my time as a City Commissioner and as Executive Director of a statewide housing organization. These roles have taught me how to balance competing interests, build consensus, and lead with integrity.
From my time as a City Commissioner, I’ve learned that being accessible and listening to people is key. I regularly meet with residents, business owners, and community groups to understand their concerns, from affordable housing to public safety to infrastructure challenges.
The mayor must work closely with city staff and fellow elected officials to make sure essential services like roads, water systems, and emergency response are delivered reliably. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to bring different voices to the table to develop practical solutions that move Helena forward.
The mayor is also Helena’s ambassador, building partnerships within and beyond our city to bring new resources and opportunities. During my work with the Montana Building Industry Association, I’ve collaborated with state and federal leaders to secure funding for local projects, a skill I’ll continue to use for Helena.
I hope to be remembered as a leader who showed up every day ready to listen, bring people together, and deliver real results that improve lives. Equally important, I want to empower others to show up and lead as well, building a community where leadership is shared and collective action drives positive change.
Leadership means bringing people together—residents, business owners, city staff—to find common ground and real solutions that improve everyday life. It’s also about having a clear vision for the city’s future and the courage to make tough choices that help move us forward.
For example, as a City Commissioner, I’ve worked directly with Helena businesses and residents to solve parking challenges by bringing all sides to the table and finding practical compromises. That experience showed me that leadership is about listening and collaboration, not just issuing directives.
The mayor should also help set the vision and policy priorities with the council, foster collaboration among elected officials, city staff, and community partners, and represent Helena’s interests both locally and beyond.
Housing affordability and availability are at the top of the list. As more people want to call Helena home, we need to create attainable housing options without compromising our neighborhoods’ character.
Infrastructure will also be a critical challenge. We must invest in roads, sidewalks, water systems, and other essential services to support a growing population and maintain our quality of life.
Public safety remains a priority, ensuring we have the resources and personnel to keep our neighborhoods safe as the city grows.
Finally, balancing economic development with environmental preservation and maintaining open spaces will require thoughtful planning and community collaboration.
I believe in open communication and ongoing dialogue between city leaders and state officials to align goals and address shared concerns, from infrastructure investment to housing and public safety.
While Helena works closely with county, state, and federal partners, we understand that our primary responsibility is to serve the people of Helena. We do not work for the federal government, the state government, or the county. We work for our local community first.
The mayor should support and advocate for our police officers, firefighters, and detectives, while also listening closely to their challenges and working to remove obstacles that hinder their effectiveness. Collaboration between the mayor’s office and law enforcement ensures public safety policies serve both the officers and the community well.
As an elected official, I’m committed to being open and honest in communication, sharing not just successes but also challenges and tough trade-offs. Transparency isn’t just about releasing reports; it’s about making sure residents understand what’s going on and have real opportunities to provide input.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2023
Andy Shirtliff did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Andy Shirtliff participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on May 9, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Andy Shirtliff's responses follow below.[23]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | Better jobs, fairer Bills, and diversifing our state’s energy development, as well as protecting net neutrality.[24][25] | ” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | Community development, Economic development, and public access.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[25]
|
” |
Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Andy Shirtliff answered the following:
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?
| “ | Montana’s Governor Steve Bullock, Helena’s Mayor Wilmot Collins, NASA deputy director Dava Newman, she’s from Montana, Martin Luther King Jr., Pat and Carol Williams, and Mike Mansfield.[25] | ” |
| “ | I believe that change, growth, and leadership come from within you. I’ve worked in Economic Development the last five years, and have been politically active since I was a kid; and what I’ve learned is that, if we wish to change something, we start with ourselves.
I am a graduate of the Leadership Montana program, that focuses on professional and personal development. The book, “Gracious Space,” is a key part to the curriculum, it focuses on; inviting new people and new ideas to the table, collaboration, and leadership through empowering others.[25] |
” |
| “ | Remembering who you work for, knowing your “why” your reason for being there, and asking yourself, “would I pay myself for what I’m doing right now, because it’s the taxpayers who do, and you represent them. Never forget that.[25] | ” |
| “ | I heard a great talk the other day about customer service, like politics, is about awareness.
I grew up in a blue-collar family, our folks had full-time jobs, worked well over 40-hours a week and still found time to be there for us. They taught me the value of hard work, and the importance of public service. Politics is about people, meeting them where they are at, hearing them out, working together to solve the problem. I have the experience; I’ve been a public servant my entire professional career. I was appointed by both Governors Schweitzer and Bullock to their staff, as a policy advisor and small business advocate. I’ve traveled our state several times over, worked with Economic developers, community and business leaders to create a business plan for Main Street Montana, and together created an online tool to streamline Montana’s licensing and permitting process. They don’t keep score in politics, but some sure like to try and score political points; I don’t believe in that. Because the problems we face are too great, and the opportunities we have are too important, we don’t have time for playing games.[25] |
” |
| “ | Transparency is vital to public office. Not many know what the PSC is or who they are, but one decision can change your life like the flick of a switch.
Accountability is vital as well, the role of the PSC is to hold utility companies accountable. If a company wishes to raise rates, they better have a darn good reason, like; investing in the efficiency of their production and products, and in innovation. The markets and our customers are moving in a new direction, one that Montana is suited for, we must invest in our state, our people, and our future.[25] |
” |
| “ | Change starts with us and it starts today. My goal is to make a difference, to help at least one person every day, and to empower others to realize they have it within themselves to make a difference.[25] | ” |
| “ | I grew up in the eighties and nineties, so quite a lot! End of the Cold War, the wall coming down, both Iraq wars/conflicts, the 2000 presidential election, 9/11, the Red Sox winning the pennant for the first time in a century, later the Cubs did too. The first African American President, and I attended his Inauguration in DC.
And many more.[25] |
” |
| “ | I worked at Glacier Wholesalers in Evergreen, just east of Kalispell. I was 16 at the time, worked 8 hour days; sweeping the dock, unloading trucks, stocking merchandise, and stacking frozen food in their massive freezer.[25] | ” |
| “ | Hard to pick just one! I love the holiday season, being with family over Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I love Easter, spring in Montana is something else. And of course the Fourth of July, watching fireworks over the lake, and Halloween, seeing kids of all ages dress up; even myself![25] |
” |
| “ | Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, anything by her is great.
And I’m about to start the book Power On*Energy by Former Governor Brian Schweitzer.[25] |
” |
| “ | I’m Batman.
Fictional character? Definitely Marty McFly, or Luke Skywalker; Big Sky Jedi.[25] |
” |
| “ | My deck to take photos of the sky, the mountains, and the sunsets.
And the fact it has a washer and dryer in the unit so I can do laundry whenever.[25] |
” |
| “ | The Walker by the Fitz and the Tantrums.[25] | ” |
| “ | I’ve learned that no matter how bad things may seem, that someone may have it much worse; so I’m thankful for the lessons struggles have taught me along the way.[25] | ” |
| “ | The PSC can affect your life like the flick of a switch, they set your electrical rates, water and sewer rates, telecommunication rates; things we use every single day.
The current PSC has not had our best interest at heart, and it’s time for a new vision.[25] |
” |
| “ | I will be the advocate for Montana’s consumers and small businesses on the Public Service Commission.
I will fight for Montanans and their hard earned dollars. I take a lot of pride having Glacier National Park in my district; so If any proposed energy development is on, near, over, or around public lands and streams, I will be a staunch opponent. I will remove barriers to innovation, to add diversity to our energy development, and protect our public access to the internet.[25] |
” |
| “ | The PSC as a whole is not widely known, I aim to bring a greater transparency to the commission.
The current PSC has openly tried to hold back solar companies through rate changes and moving the goal line as to make it impossible for companies to invest in Montana. I aim to change that.[25] |
” |
| “ | Though the PSC sets rates, and deals with numbers; their decisions affect people every day. Someone running for this position must understand that, because it is a major responsibility.[25] | ” |
| “ | The awareness that this post can effect people every day, that if approached with the right attitude and effort, I can make a positive impact.[25] | ” |
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
I believe that change starts with us, and it starts today; no better time to make a difference than right now. I am running to fight for Montana's consumers and small businesses, to remove barriers to innovation which will add diversity to our energy development, lead to better jobs, and fairer bills. I will hold energy companies accountable, and will encourage them to improve efficiencies, and invest in clean, safe, and renewable energy development. Is there anything you would like to add? You can find me on ActBlue, and at Facebook.com/AndyForMontana[25] |
” |
| —Andy Shirtliff[1] | ||
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form on May 8, 2018
- ↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email communication with Andy Shirtliff," January 24, 2024
- ↑ KTVH, "UPDATE: Helena School Bonds and City Municipal Primary Results (Unofficial)," September 9, 2025
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 KTVH, "Helena holds first city primary election in more than two decades," August 15, 2025
- ↑ The Intercept, "Liberian Refugee Wilmot Collins, Mayor of Helena, Launches Bid for Montana Senate Seat," May 13 2019
- ↑ KTVH, "Helena event lets voters "Speed Date" mayoral, city commission candidates," August 8, 2025
- ↑ Helena Public Schools, "Home," accessed August 24, 2025
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 KTVH, "Helena mayoral candidate: Sonda Gaub," August 19, 2025
- ↑ Independent Record, "Commissioner Emily Dean to run for Helena mayor, Mayor Collins endorses her," April 9, 2025
- ↑ KTVH, "Helena mayoral candidate: Emily Dean," August 18, 2025
- ↑ Sonda for Helen Mayor, "Home," accessed August 20, 2025
- ↑ Facebook, "Sonda For Helena Mayor," June 1, 2025
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 3, 2025
- ↑ KTVH, "Helena mayoral candidate: Braxton Hudson," August 20, 2025
- ↑ Chris Riccardo for Mayor, "Campaign Statement," accessed August 20, 2025
- ↑ Omerta Arts, "Meet the Studio Family," accessed August 20, 2025
- ↑ Independent Record, "Commissioner Shirtliff announces candidacy for Helena mayor," June 6, 2025
- ↑ KTVH, "Helena Commissioner Andy Shirtliff announces run for Helena Mayor," June 6, 2025
- ↑ City of Helena, "City Charter," accessed December 8, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ Amee LaTour, Email correspondence with the Center for Responsive Politics, August 5, 2022
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Andy Shirtliff's responses," May 9, 2018
- ↑ 25.00 25.01 25.02 25.03 25.04 25.05 25.06 25.07 25.08 25.09 25.10 25.11 25.12 25.13 25.14 25.15 25.16 25.17 25.18 25.19 25.20 25.21 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
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