Russ Nelson: Putting Belgrade first over party bosses is legislative commitment

By Russ Nelson, candidate for HD 67

Published in the Belgrade News

April 9, 2026

After serving as Mayor of Belgrade for 22 years, I’m excited to announce I am embarking on a new adventure: Running to represent Belgrade and House District 67 in the state Legislature.

Serving as your mayor was the honor of a lifetime. But as Belgrade continues to see unprecedented growth, and therefore faces unprecedented challenges, I’ve come to believe that Belgrade needs a leader in Helena who will stand up for our community and always put Belgrade first.

For over two decades, I had a front row seat to the challenges and opportunities the families and small business owners of Belgrade faced.

We navigated the growing pains of a community that saw 77% population growth in 20 years. We found creative solutions when our schools were busting at the seams and ways to ensure that small businesses and employees stayed right here in Belgrade instead of fleeing to Bozeman.

Some decisions were big, and some were small, but at every point one principle guided every choice: What is the best thing for our citizens and our community?

This is the same principle that will guide every decision I make as your representative in Helena. I will always put my constituents first and advocate for our community in the Legislature.

I am committed to protecting the property tax relief that benefitted over 80% of Montana families and small businesses while seeking ways to stabilize funding for growing communities like ours. I will advocate for responsible growth that ensures our first responders can keep our community safe while protecting your pocketbook from runaway taxes.

For too long, Belgrade has lacked a representative in Helena who understands the complex needs of our community, listens, and finds real solutions to the challenges we face. We need a voice for Belgrade in Helena, and I am committed to be that voice.

I will always stand up for my constituents and your interests instead of party bosses and special interests.

I believe Belgrade’s brightest days are ahead. I will take my experience leading our city as mayor and ensure we work with our local, state, and federal partners to keep our community safe and strong.

I’ll make sure we don’t leave any opportunity on the table to grow responsibly and strengthen our community, and I’ll work to keep Belgrade an attractive place to start a business and raise a family.

I care about this community deeply and hope to prove my ongoing commitment to you throughout my campaign. I’m excited to be a part of Belgrade’s future.

We’re ready for a leader who puts Belgrade first, and it would be my honor to be that choice for you on June 2.