Former Minister of Public Works Ruth Coker Collins has officially declared her intention to contest the River Cess County senatorial seat in the 2029 general elections, signaling the start of what is anticipated to be a highly competitive political race in the southeastern county.
Collins made the announcement during a recent engagement with women in River Cess County, where she outlined her vision for the county and called for inclusive participation in the political process. Addressing residents, she said her decision to seek elected office was motivated by a desire to broaden her service to the country —transitioning from the executive branch to the Legislature.
“I believe the time has come to take our development agenda to the national legislative arena,” Collins told the gathering. “River Cess deserves stronger representation, improved infrastructure, and policies that directly respond to the needs of our people.”
An engineer by profession, Collins previously served as Minister of Public Works under the Coalition for Democratic Change-led government. During her tenure, she oversaw several road rehabilitation and connectivity projects aimed at improving access between rural communities and major commercial hubs across Liberia. She emphasized that her experience managing national infrastructure programs has equipped her with the expertise needed to advocate effectively for River Cess at the Capitol.
Collins highlighted road connectivity, youth empowerment, and women’s participation in governance as key pillars of her prospective campaign. She stressed that infrastructure development remains central to unlocking economic growth in River Cess, noting that better roads would enhance trade, agriculture, education, and healthcare delivery.
In her remarks, Collins also called for unity among citizens, urging residents to put aside political differences in pursuit of collective progress. She specifically encouraged young people and women to become more actively involved in decision-making processes and leadership roles.
Her early declaration positions her as one of the first prominent figures to signal interest in the 2029 senatorial contest. Political observers in River Cess say the race is expected to draw multiple contenders as the election approaches.
With three years remaining before the polls, Collins’ announcement sets the tone for what could become a defining political battle over the future direction of development and representation in River Cess County.
