Wilmot Collins

Wilmot Collins (born October 15, 1963) is an American politician and former mayor of Helena, Montana. He defeated four-term incumbent mayor James E. Smith in the 2017 mayoral election on November 7, 2017, with 51% of the vote. This victory made him the first person of color to be elected the mayor of any city in the history of Montana since statehood was achieved in 1889. Born in Liberia, he came to the United States as a refugee during the First Liberian Civil War.

Early life and background Collins fled his native Liberia for Helena in 1994 as a refugee from the First Liberian Civil War. He had petitioned for refugee status to join his wife, who had moved to Montana two years before he did.

Political career Video from Voice of America News pursuant to Collins' election in 2017.On May 13, 2019, Collins announced his candidacy for United States Senate as a Democrat. He dropped out to endorse governor Steve Bullock on March 9, 2020.

On March 29, 2021, Collins announced his intent to seek re-election as mayor of Helena. In his announcement, Collins listed climate friendly policies for the city, affordable housing and funding of essential services as his core accomplishments during his first term.

Collins won re-election as mayor of Helena on November 2, 2021. He defeated his opponent, Sonda Gaub with 67% of the vote, making him the first black person to win re-election for any office in the state of Montana.

In 2021, Collins spoke in support of resettling Afghan refugees amid the 2021 Taliban offensive on Twitter, stating: "This former refugee cannot wait to welcome them to Montana. Hopefully they’ll get involved in our communities and enrich our lives with their experiences and culture. Who knows, maybe one day some of them will even run for office!"