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Helena Panel Discussion Offers Advice on Running for Local Office
Experienced local officials share insights on candidacy and community service.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:31pm
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A panel of current and former local elected officials in Helena, Montana will host a discussion on how to run for and serve in local elected office. The event, organized by the Young Professionals Initiative of the League of Women Voters of the Helena Area, is intended to provide guidance and inspiration for those interested in pursuing public service roles in their community.
Why it matters
With growing calls for more civic engagement and community-focused leadership, this panel discussion aims to demystify the process of running for local office and encourage more residents, especially young professionals, to consider public service roles that can have a direct impact on their neighborhoods and cities.
The details
The panelists include Helena Mayor Emily Dean, State Representative Luke Muszkiewicz, City Commissioner Ben Rigby, State Senator Laura Smith, and former City Commissioner Kali Wicks. They will share their personal experiences, advice, and insights on topics like campaigning, constituent engagement, and the rewards and challenges of local elected office.
- The panel discussion will take place on January 27, 2026.
- Voter registration volunteers will also be on hand to assist attendees.
The players
Emily Dean
The current mayor of Helena, Dean previously served on the City Commission from 2020 to 2026. She has a background in education and government communications.
Luke Muszkiewicz
Muszkiewicz was elected to the Montana House of Representatives in 2024 and serves on the House Appropriations Committee and several interim legislative committees. He has a background in software engineering and data analysis, and previously served on the Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees.
Ben Rigby
Rigby was elected to the Helena City Commission in 2025 and began serving in January 2026. He is the Executive Director of Montana Rural Water Systems, and previously worked for the Helena Water Department.
Laura Smith
Smith is a former federal prosecutor who has served in the Montana Legislature, first in the House in 2023 and then winning election to the Senate in 2024 to represent Senate District 40.
Kali Wicks
Wicks is a government affairs and consulting professional who served as a Helena City Commissioner by appointment in 2018-2020. She has degrees in political science, communications, public administration, and public health, and is a proponent of servant leadership.
What’s next
Voter registration volunteers will be on hand to assist attendees in updating their voter registration or registering to vote for the first time.
The takeaway
This panel discussion represents an important opportunity for Helena residents, especially young professionals, to learn from experienced local leaders about the process and rewards of running for and serving in elected office at the community level.
