Denver’s First Open Mayoral Race Since 2011 Attracts 21 Candidates

On April 4, 2023, 21 candidates will be running for the office of mayor in Denver, Colorado. The top two vote-getters in the runoff will be held on June 6, 2023, if no candidate wins a majority of the votes.

The term limit for incumbent Mayor Michael Hancock (a Democrat), was first elected in 2011. This is Denver’s fifth open mayoral race since 1959 when the city last elected a Republican mayor.

Denverite‘s Kyle Harris Write, “Denverites are worried about the city’s affordability … public safety and rising crime … [and] homelessness. People want solutions, and it’s clear that the people of the city understand that the mayor’s seat can try to tackle many of these issues.”

Kelly Brough, the former CEO of Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, was joined by Leslie Herod (former state senator), Deborah Ortega (at-large city councilwoman) and Andy Rougeot, an Army veteran, to lead fundraising efforts and media coverage. Although mayoral elections in Denver are not officially partisan, Brough and Herod are Democrats. Johnston and Ortega are Republicans. Rougeot is an Independent.

The five candidates identified as key issues public safety, homelessness and affordability.

Brought addresses the subject of public safety. , “We must hold people accountable for unlawful activity” “pursue economic development and public health strategies that will help to alleviate desperation that drives criminal activity in the first place.”

Al Gardner, Renate behrens, Al Gardner and state senator Chris Hansen will all appear on the ballot. As write-in candidates, Matt Brady, Paul Fiorino and Jesse Parris are also running.

Denver is a Strong mayor The mayor is the chief executive of government. The city council acts as a legislative branch. In Denver, the mayor sets the city budget, nominates department heads – including the city attorney – and makes more than 700 appointments to positions city-wide. The mayor is also responsible for overseeing the Denver International Airport, the police and sheriff departments, as well as the community planning and developing department.

Additional reading:

Mayoral election in Denver, Colorado (2023)

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