Wilmot Collins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilmot Collins
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| 40th Mayor of Helena | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | James Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 15, 1963 Monrovia, Liberia |
| Political party | Democratic (2019–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (until 2019) |
| Spouse |
Maddie Muna
(m. 1991) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Liberia (BA) Troy University (MS) |
Wilmot Collins was born on October 15, 1963. He is an American politician who serves as the mayor of Helena, Montana. He won the mayoral election on November 7, 2017, with 51% of the votes. This made him the first person of color to be elected mayor of any city in Montana since it became a state in 1889.
Early Life and Journey
Collins came to Helena, Montana, in 1994 from his home country, Liberia. He was a refugee because of the First Liberian Civil War. His wife had moved to Montana two years before him, and he asked for refugee status to join her.
He became a citizen of the United States in 2002. After that, he worked for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. His job was to help protect children.
For more than 20 years, he was also a member of the United States Navy Reserve. Wilmot Collins has two children with his wife, Maddie Muna: a daughter named Jaymie and a son named Bliss. He is also cousins with Helene Cooper, a reporter for The New York Times.
Political Career and Achievements
On May 13, 2019, Collins announced he would run for the United States Senate as a Democrat. However, he later decided not to run and instead supported Governor Steve Bullock on March 9, 2020.
On March 29, 2021, Collins shared that he would seek to be re-elected as mayor of Helena. He talked about his achievements during his first term. These included policies to help the environment, making housing more affordable, and funding important city services.
Collins won his re-election as mayor of Helena on November 2, 2021. He defeated his opponent, Sonda Gaub, with 67% of the votes. This victory made him the first Black person to win re-election for any public office in Montana.
In 2021, Collins spoke about helping Afghan refugees who were leaving their country. He said he was excited to welcome them to Montana. He hoped they would join communities and share their experiences and culture. He even suggested some might run for office one day.
See also
- List of mayors of Helena, Montana
