A Billings mayoral candidate is getting hammered over his role as one of the founders of a DEI program in Billings. Plus, he's being endorsed by the previous chair of the Montana Democrat Party.

Mike Nelson stepped into the race late to challenge Billings City Councilwoman Jennifer Owen. Owen is backed by the Yellowstone County Republicans. Nelson is endorsed by the former chair of the Montana Democrat Party.

Cat Holley was first, apparently, to highlight Nelson's role on the DEI (diversity, equity, & inclusion) initiative. As Western MT News points out, "The timing puts Nelson’s candidacy in the spotlight as President Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, calling DEI programs 'illegal and immoral discrimination programs' and directing federal agencies to eliminate such initiatives."

Western MT News also reports that "Montana universities like UM and MSU are conducting audits to comply with federal orders to remove DEI programs, reflecting broader changes across the state’s public institutions."

Here's what I wrote about Jennifer Owen's campaign back in May: 

I got to hear her speak at an event recently, and she is a powerhouse who is ready to bring some real vision to Billings if you ask me.

One thing that impressed me so far with her work on the city council is her focus on public safety. She dove into the city budget and found millions of dollars to put towards public safety- law enforcement- without a tax increase. It seems all too often, Billings has put public safety on the back burner. They fund all this other stuff and then tell taxpayers- oh, you want public safety, you gotta pay extra for that. I think Owen can also put Billings on a more conservative, pro business path.

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