BILLINGS – Montana state Rep. Jeff Essmann says he will run for mayor of Billings.
The Republican tells The Billings Gazette that his time in the Legislature is “pretty much over” and he wants to pursue things of interest to his community.
The 64-year-old Essmann has represented Billings in the state Legislature since 2005. He was president of the state Senate before moving over to the House.
Essmann also is chairman of the Montana Republican Party and a Billings businessman.
Essmann joins Billings architect Randy Hafer in the race to succeed Mayor Tom Hanel, who is term limited. The primary election is Sept. 12, with the general election set for Nov. 7.