BILLINGS - Billings businessman Mike Nelson has been elected the next mayor of Billings.
Nelson maintained his lead over Billings City Council member Jennifer Owen on Monday following a final count of fewer than 200 provisional ballots.
The final tally was 11,735 votes for Nelson to 11,558 votes for Owen. Billings City Council member Mike Boyett and stay-at-home mom Amanda Housler were also in the race.
The election will be certified later this month.
He ran on a platform focused on public safety, economic development, and collaboration between city leaders and local businesses.
Watch Q2 story on Nelson's plans as mayor:
Nelson, who owns the Northern Hotel, will succeed Mayor Bill Cole, who served his limit of two four-year terms.
Nelson will be sworn in at the end of the year.
Related: Mike Nelson touts business, development experience in bid for Billings mayor
