Mike Johnston is Denver's new mayor!

Denver Runoff Election Results

The Mayor’s Race

Former state senator Mike Johnston will be Denver’s next mayor! Johnston claimed victory over opponent Kelly Brough with 54% of the total votes by the end of the night. Brough conceded at 10 p.m. while Johnston was roughly 10,000 votes ahead.

City Council

(Note: These results are according to last count on Tuesday at 11:30 p.m.)

District 7: Flor Alvidrez is the new councilperson for District 7. Though this district was listed on the ballot, Alvidrez won by default after challenger Nick Campion withdrew his candidacy in April.

District 8: At last count, Brad Revare was just barely holding an edge over Shontel Lewis with 50.08% of votes — a mere 20 votes ahead.

District 9: Darrell Watson took down incumbent councilperson Candi CdeBaca with a whopping 62% of votes in the most highly anticipated council race.

District 10: Incumbent councilperson Chris Hinds will maintain his seat leading District 10 after beating out challenger Shannon Hoffman with 57% of votes.

🎧 For a deeper analysis of the election results, check out today’s episode of the City Cast Denver podcast.

Hey loyal reader, what’s been on your mind lately? 🤔

🍯 After seeing our sneak peek photos from inside the new and improved Casa Bonita, reader Tanya F. had some thoughts:

• “The sopapillas should be puffy in order to swirl honey around the inside. They look flat and heavy in the photo. Casa Bonita’s version doesn’t look good.”

🇲🇽 Speaking of the Pink Palace, reader Tom G. is over it:

• “If you never mentioned Casa Bonita again I’d be good. I’m not a native but I’ve been here since 1992, been there many times, think it’s great it’s reopening but think this is tiring.”

💬 Keith O. listened to this recent episode of the City Cast Denver podcast when we mentioned Colfax. Keith says:

• “I’m a connoisseur of Colfax and wanted to set the record straight. Playboy did not call Colfax the ‘longest, wickedest street in the country,’ but the quote just won’t die. Jonny Barber (Colfax Museum) and myself (Aurora History Museum) have independently spent hours trying to track down this misquote. There was also a Denverite article a few years back investigating it.”A quote that WAS in Playboy Magazine? “The fear that war may blow civilization to smithereens loses some of its sting when you see Denver’s Colfax Ave.” — Columnist George Will

📚 Regarding my recent explainer on how to make the most of your local library, reader Chelsea B. says:

• “I LOVE the library highlight. Libraries are community portals to unlimited cultural and educational resources.”

🍽️ Taste of the West | Wednesday | 4:30-8 p.m.

Explore the best food and beverage offerings in Jefferson County, plus live music, door prizes, and more. [Bear Creek; GA $45, $100 VIP]

🍹 ‘Local-verse’ at Meow Wolf | Wednesday | 5-10 p.m.

Tonight’s theme for Meow Wolf’s adult-only admission is the “local-verse” during which they’ll be highlighting Denver artists and musicians. The museum will also be hosting DiningOut’s 2023 Garnish Games bartending competition. [Sun Valley; $49]

🎤 Music and Poetry Showcase | Wednesday | 7-9 p.m.

MCA Denver at The Holiday Theater presents an evening of music and poetry from local BIPOC artists. [Highlands; Free]

🏳️‍🌈 Drag Trivia | Wednesday | 7-9 p.m.

Call to Arms Brewing is hosting Pride events all month long. Tonight’s festivities will be Drag Trivia! [Berkeley; Free admission]

Denver Elects Mike Johnston as Mayor

Denver has its first new mayor in 12 years: Mike Johnston! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi hopped on the mic last night as the final votes were counted to discuss the mayoral results, as well as the City Council runoffs in districts 8, 9, and 10.