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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

HELENA – After four and a half years of sitting as the mayor in the city of Helena, Brian Puckett has announced that he will not be running for reelection in 2025.

Puckett made the announcement in his monthly mayor’s letter published in the January issue of Helena The Magazine, stating that, while difficult, it is the right time to do it for both himself and the city.

“My focus has always been on making choices that will positively impact our community for generations to come,” Puckett said. “The difficult decisions, though sometimes met with criticism, have always been made with what’s best for Helena in mind. While the challenges have been tough, I’ve never wavered in my commitment to this city, but this will be my last term in office.”

Puckett cited his reasoning for not running dates back to a stroke he suffered on Aug. 14, which hospitalized him for several days and saw him undergo multiple series of tests and numerous visits to multiple doctors.

The emergency occurrence is one that weighs heavily on him to this day and gave him time to ponder the decision of whether to run.

“The experience was humbling and gave me time to reflect on the role I hold as your mayor,” Puckett said. “It made me realize that, while politics is not something I sought after, it has given me the opportunity to serve the people of Helena in meaningful ways.”

Puckett was elected to the position in 2020, when he defeated Scott Summerlin by 561 votes and replaced Mark Hall, who had served the previous two terms. Before serving as the mayor, he held Place 2 on the Helena City Council.

Now, with the election on the horizon in August, Puckett is still highly looking forward to finishing his position in a strong manner, but also made a point to say that he is hopeful for a competitive promising election field that shows promise for the city’s future.

“As your mayor for the next 11 months, I will continue to work tirelessly for Helena,” Puckett said. “I encourage healthy competition for this position in the upcoming election—someone who is truly dedicated to Helena, with a heart for solutions, not complaints.”

Puckett ended his letter by discussing how thankful he is for the experience that he has had, both as Helena’s mayor and in its municipal government, knowing that while his time in the position is ending, things remain bright in the years to come.

“I am deeply grateful to the residents who have trusted me with this role,” Puckett said. “I will always cherish the support of our city employees, who have been with me every step of the way. Together, we have accomplished so much, and together, we will continue to build a brighter future for Helena.”

Along with the mayor’s seat becoming open, Place 4 and Place 5 on the City Council will also hold new members in the future as Laura Joseph and Hewy Woodman announced they will not be running for reelection.

This news comes in addition to Place 2 being filled as a result of Chris VanCleave stepping down in November. At this time, Billy Rosener is currently the only one to have announced his candidacy for mayor in the upcoming election.