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If you were ready for election season in Denver to be over, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. A number of municipal general election races—including the ones for mayor, clerk, and several city council districts—were close enough that they’re headed to runoff elections on June 4. Per Denver’s election rules, if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the two top vote-receiving candidates square off against each other. Mayor Michael Hancock, seeking his third term in the city’s highest office, secured just over 39 percent of Tuesday’s vote, followed by Jamie Giellis, who received about 26 percent. Though the race hasn’t been officially called, the mayoral election appears it’s heading on for another month.
Likewise, the race for County Clerk and Recorder will be decided in June—though it’s not immediately clear which two of the three candidates will move forward. As of Tuesday night, Paul Lopez had just over a third of the vote with Peg Perl and Sarah McCarthy following close behind. At least five City Council races—including Districts 1, 3, 5, 9 and 10—appear heading to runoffs, as well.
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The other major election news concerns the only two initiatives on the ballot, one of which failed badly and the other appearing poised to pass. Initiative 300, which would have overturned Denver’s camping ban for the homeless, was defeated soundly with approximately 83 percent of voters against it. Initiative 301, the ballot measure to decriminalize the use of psilocybin mushrooms, at last count was up narrowly (about 2,000 votes) with just over 50 percent voting in favor.
Results will be updated as races are declared official. Last updated 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 8.
Mayoral Election
Michael Hancock: 39 percent
Jamie Giellis: 26 percent
Lisa Calderón: 17 percent
Penfield Tate III: 15 percent
Kalyn Rose Heffernan: 2 percent
Stephen “Chairman Seku” Evans: 0.6 percent
City Council Races
District 1: Amanda Sandoval (31 percent) leads the open race that saw seven candidates vying for the seat. If results hold, she will face Mike Somma (17.5 percent) in a runoff.
District 2: Councilman Kevin Flynn, running unopposed, won reelection.
District 3: Of the four candidates running for the open seat, Jamie Torres (40 percent) narrowly leads Veronica Barela (37 percent). If results hold, they will face each other in a runoff.
District 4: Councilwoman Kendra Black wins with nearly 80 percent of the vote over challenger Colleen Zahradnicek.
District 5: Perhaps the most surprising of Tuesday’s results, Amanda Sawyer (41 percent) leads incumbent Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman (36 percent). If results hold, they will face each other in a runoff.
District 6: Councilman Paul Kashmann, running unopposed, won reelection.
District 7: City Council President Jolon Clark, running unopposed, won reelection.
District 8: Councilman Chris Herndon fended off five challengers and earned 51 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.
District 9: Councilman Albus Brooks (46.5 percent) looks to be headed to a runoff with Candi CdeBaca (41 percent) if results hold.
District 10: Councilman Wayne New (42 percent) is heading to a runoff race with Chris Hinds (29 percent).
District 11: Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore (75 percent) beat challenger Christine M. Alonzo.
At Large: Incumbent Councilwomen Debbie Ortega (36 percent) and Robin Kniech (28 percent) both won reelection.
County Clerk and Recorder Race
Paul Lopez: 36.18 percent
Peg Perl: 32.62 percent
Sarah McCarthy: 31.2 percent
For complete results, visit the Denver Election Division website.
