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Wilmot Collins will be Helena’s new mayor, unseating incumbent Jim Smith in a close race Tuesday.

Collins, 54, will be the city's first new mayor in 16 years after running a long campaign based in progressive principles.

“The people of Helena have spoken, and I am honored to be able to serve them,” Collins said as the night drew to a close. “I intend to work with commissioners, work for the people of Helena and find what is best for this city.”

Collins also sought to praise Smith for his work over the past decade and a half.

“I commend Mayor Smith. He’s done a great job for the city, and I hope to work with him in the future," Collins said.

At the La Pa Grill on 6th Avenue in downtown Helena, Collins and other members of the self-described “progressive ticket” watched and waited for the results of the 2017 election.

The feeling was festive as Collins received a call from U.S. Sen. Jon Tester congratulating Collins on his victory. Victory cigars were passed around the room at the end of the night as the large crowd of Collins, Heather O’Loughlin and Andres Haladay supporters ate and drank while waiting for the results.