Eight candidates, six-minute rounds and Helena’s first primary election in 24 years — who’s winning your heart?

Voters rapid-fired questions to Helena mayor and commission runners at a Thursday Speed Date Your Candidate event, with topics ranging from parking to homelessness.

It was hosted by the League of Women Voters and Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, a first of its kind for the organizations, ahead of the Sept. 9 primary election. Ballots will be mailed out Aug. 22.

In the mayoral race are Emily Dean, Andy Shirtliff, Sonda Gaub, Chris Riccardo and Braxton Hudson.

Fighting for two City Commission seats are Haley McKnight, Melinda Reed, Ben Rigby, Shawn White Wolf and Brenton Craggs.

The primary will whittle the races down to two mayoral candidates and four City Commission candidat

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