Mayoral election in Helena, Montana (2025)
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| 2025 Helena elections |
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| Election dates |
| Filing deadline: June 16, 2025 |
| Primary election: September 9, 2025 General election: November 4, 2025 |
| Election stats |
| Offices up: Mayor |
| Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections) |
| Other municipal elections |
| U.S. municipal elections, 2025 |
Emily Dean defeated Andy Shirtliff in the nonpartisan general election for mayor of Helena, Montana, on November 4, 2025.
Shirtliff and Dean advanced from the nonpartisan primary on September 9, 2025. Shirtliff received 48.33% of the vote and Dean received 36.53%.[1]
This election was the first since 2001 in Helena to require a mayoral primary.[2] According to KTVH, state law "requires local governments to hold primaries if at least five candidates are running for any single position."[2]
Incumbent Wilmot Collins did not run for re-election. Although the position of mayor was officially nonpartisan, Collins was a Democrat.[2][3]
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. 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."[4] Collins and Helena City Commissioner Sean Logan endorsed Dean.[5]
Shirtliff was the executive director of the Montana Building Industry Association. He was appointed to the Helena City Commission in 2022. According to the Independent Record, Shirtliff said that as commissioner he "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."[6] According to KTVH, "Shirtliff says as mayor, he will focus on improving city services and communication, champion housing solutions and encourage entrepreneurship."[7]
The AARP, the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, and the League of Women Voters of the Helena Area hosted a candidate forum on September 30, 2025. Voters asked the candidates questions about government transparency, enforcement of city project timelines, and housing and homelessness. On housing, Dean said, "Helena has seen a surge in its 65-years-and-older population. That means the Queen City needs to focus on 'aging in place.' Due to housing costs, elders can sell a three-bedroom house but still struggle to afford a downsize. Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, could help elders downsize and open housing opportunities in Helena."[8] Shirtliff said, "Construction prices have shot up since 2018, so the city needs to reduce housing costs by expanding city infrastructure. Private contractors spend massive sums on sidewalks and water. Building up instead of out could be easier on utility and road costs."[8]
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.[9]
Ballotpedia identified the September 9, 2025, nonpartisan primary as a battleground primary. For more on the primary, click here.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan), Braxton Hudson (Nonpartisan), and Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.
Elections
Click on the tabs below to show more information about those topics.
Candidates and results
General election
General election for Mayor of Helena
Emily Dean defeated Andy Shirtliff in the general election for Mayor of Helena on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)  | 51.0 | 5,440 |
 | Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan) | 49.0 | 5,237 | |
| Total votes: 10,677 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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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 | 5,470 |
| ✔ | | Emily Dean (Nonpartisan) | 36.5 | 4,134 |
 | 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: 11,316 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Additional elections on the ballot
- See also: Montana elections, 2025
May 6, 2025
- Helena Elementary School District, Montana, General Fund Property Tax Measure (May 2025)
- Helena Elementary School District, Montana, Technology Funding Property Tax Measure (May 2025)
- Helena High School District, Montana, General Fund Property Tax Measure (May 2025)
- Helena High School District, Montana, Technology Funding Property Tax Measure (May 2025)
September 9, 2025
- City elections in Helena, Montana (2025)
- Helena Elementary School District, Montana, Kessler School Reconstruction Bond Measure (September 2025)
- Helena High School District, Montana, School Reconstruction Bond Measure (September 2025)
November 4, 2025
Voting information
What was the voter registration deadline?
- In person: October 6, 2025
- By mail: Postmarked by October 6, 2025
When were ballots sent to voters?
- October 17, 2025
What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?
- By mail: October 28, 2025
- In person: November 4, 2025, by 8:00 p.m.
When were polls open on Election Day? 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (mail-in ballot and absentee voting office hours)
Candidate comparision
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Emily Dean is a proud Helenan where she serves the community as Mayor Pro Tem and a City Commissioner, while also advocating for kids and public education. Experiencing some of the challenges facing many Montanans, Emily resolved early on to take up the causes of the working class through the pursuit of educational equity and expanding opportunities for families. She learned the value of public service at an early age through involvement in volunteerism and community building activities. Through the influence and example of her mother, grandparents and family, Emily learned the value of hard work and dedication to community. Emily is a product of Carroll College where she served as Student Body President and spearheaded a number of student-centered campaigns that continue to impact students' well-being today. Upon graduation, Emily moved to Dallas where she taught high school U.S. Government and Economics. Through her experiences and those of her students, Emily's deep belief in the power of education to improve opportunities and building an inclusive community was affirmed. After receiving a Masters Degree from Southern Methodist University, Emily returned to Helena determined to bring opportunity to our community. Emily serves as serves as Vice President of the Montana League of Cities and Towns, a committee member of the National League of Cities, and Chair of the Greater Helena Metropolitan Planning Organization."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Helena in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I’m Andy Shirtliff, a fifth-generation Montanan, proud Helena resident, and a public servant who believes leadership is not a title, it is how we show up for each other. 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."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Helena in 2025.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
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.
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Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Emily Dean will ensure effective city services that meet the needs of all residents. She is committed to investing in emergency services to ensure the well-being and safety of our growing community. Dean will prioritize open lands conservation and expanding recreational opportunities recreational opportunities and continue to modernize the City’s digital infrastructure, transparency, and security.
Emily Dean will prioritize modernizing city infrastructure. This includes improving and expanding safe street infrastructure. Dean will prioritize and expand sustainability program and explore innovative and efficient initiatives to further secure and maintain City water.
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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 am committed to this kind of leadership, one that shows up, listens, leads with heart, and delivers real results for Helena.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
I am results-oriented and persistent, focused on finding real solutions that improve everyday life for Helena’s families and businesses. Above all, I lead with empathy and a genuine desire to serve the community.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
Above all, the mayor must lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability. People need to trust their leaders and know their voices are heard. That’s the kind of leadership I’m committed to bringing to Helena.
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
My goal is to help build safe neighborhoods, create attainable housing, and foster a vibrant downtown where families and businesses thrive. Most importantly, I want to help lay a foundation that future generations can build on, so Helena remains a city of opportunity, pride, and resilience for decades to come.
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
A mayor should be an ambassador for the City of Helena, welcoming businesses; a liaison for our people, ensuring their voices are heard; and a champion for our community, working tirelessly to make Helena a better place for everyone. Above all, a mayor leads with integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serving the community.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
At the end of the day, the mayor’s role is to provide leadership that reflects the community’s needs, build consensus, and ensure the city government is accountable and delivering the services residents rely on.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
Meeting these challenges will take leadership, partnership, and a shared commitment to Helena’s future.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
A strong partnership means the state respects local control while offering support where it’s needed most, helping cities like Helena grow sustainably and improve quality of life for all residents.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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 ideal relationship is one of cooperation and respect, balanced with local independence. By keeping communication open and building strong partnerships, we can access resources and expertise that help our city meet its needs while maintaining the freedom to make decisions that are best for Helena and its residents.
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
Above all, the mayor must be a bridge between law enforcement and residents, fostering trust and transparency to build safer neighborhoods where everyone feels valued and protected.
Emily Dean (Nonpartisan)
Andy Shirtliff (Nonpartisan)
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.
Accountability means leaders must take responsibility for their decisions and actions. If something isn’t working or needs to change, we have to listen, adapt, and fix it. That kind of honest leadership creates a stronger, more responsive government that truly serves the people.
Campaign advertisements
This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Emily Dean and Andy Shirtliff while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia researchers did not identify any candidate websites that provide endorsement information. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.
Election spending
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.[10][11]
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.[12]
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.
Election context
Mayor of Helena election history
2021
General election
General election for Mayor of Helena
Incumbent Wilmot Collins defeated Sonda Gaub in the general election for Mayor of Helena on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Wilmot Collins (Nonpartisan) | 67.6 | 7,183 |
| Sonda Gaub (Nonpartisan) | 31.4 | 3,332 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.1 | 112 | ||
| Total votes: 10,627 | |||
| = 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
The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Wilmot Collins and Sonda Gaub advanced from the primary for Mayor of Helena.
Mayoral partisanship
Helena has a Democratic mayor. As of November 2025, the mayors of 35 state capitals are affiliated with the Democratic Party, seven are Republicans, one is independent, and two are nonpartisan. The partisan affiliation of five state capital mayors is unknown. While most mayoral elections in state capital cities are nonpartisan, most officeholders are affiliated with a political party.
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Take our candidate survey
- See also: Survey
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About the city
- See also: Helena, Montana
Helena is a city in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. As of 2020, its population was 32,091.
City government
- See also: Council-manager government
The city of Helena utilizes 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.[9]
Demographics
The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.
| Demographic Data for Helena, Montana | ||
|---|---|---|
| Helena | Montana | |
| Population | 32,091 | 1,084,225 |
| Land area (sq mi) | 16 | 145,549 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White | 92.6% | 87.8% |
| Black/African American | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| Native American | 1.1% | 6.2% |
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 0.1% |
| Other (single race) | N/A | 0.8% |
| Multiple | 3.7% | 3.8% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 4.5% | 3.9% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate | 96.2% | 94% |
| College graduation rate | 49% | 33.1% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income | $60,074 | $56,539 |
| Persons below poverty level | 11.8% | 12.8% |
| Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020). | ||
| **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
2025 battleground elections
- See also: Battlegrounds
This was a battleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections included:
- City elections in San Jose, California (2025)
- Minnesota recalls of Democratic state legislators, 2025
- Wrightstown Community School District, Wisconsin, elections (2025)
See also
| Helena, Montana | Montana | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ KTVH, "UPDATE: Helena School Bonds and City Municipal Primary Results (Unofficial)," September 9, 2025
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Independent Record, "Helena mayor and commission candidates talk issues at forum," September 30, 2025
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 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
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