Emily Dean and Andy Shirtliff are running in the nonpartisan general election for mayor of Helena, Montana, on Nov. 4, 2025.

Shirtliff and Dean advanced from the nonpartisan primary on Sept. 9, 2025. Shirtliff received 48.33% of the vote and Dean received 36.53%.

This election was the first since 2001 in Helena to require a mayoral primary. According to KTVH, state law “requires local governments to hold primaries if at least five candidates are running for any single position.”

Incumbent Wilmot Collins did not run for re-election. Although the position of mayor is officially nonpartisan, Collins is a Democrat.

Dean is 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 serves as mayor pro tem. Dean says, “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.” Collins and Helena City Commissioner Sean Logan endorsed Dean.

Shirtliff is 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 says 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.” According to KTVH, as mayor “he will focus on improving city services and communication, champion housing solutions and encourage entrepreneurship.”

The AARP, the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, and the League of Women Voters of the Helena Area hosted a candidate forum on Sept. 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.” 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.”

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.