A Guide to Aurora’s 2019 Mayoral Election
Meet the candidates vying to be Aurora’s next mayor.
An “aurora” is a brilliant flash of dancing lights—pinks, yellows, and greens—bursting across a dark sky. And it’s also the name of Colorado’s third largest city, which just happens to be going through a growth spurt that lives up to vividness of its name.
In May, 5280 reported on that growth and highlighted Aurora’s search for a new mayor after the death of Mayor Steve Hogan, who was known to many as “Mr. Aurora.” Hogan was a steadying force and a longtime civic servant who focused on Aurora’s future, supporting the arts, and celebrating the city’s diversity. Bob LeGare, a former city council member was picked to finish Hogan’s term, in part, because he said he would not run in the 2019 election. That meant that the decision on who would lead Aurora forward would be left to the voters.
And that time has come. On November 5, 2019, Aurora voters will select the next mayor. The nonpartisan gig has enticed five candidates—and one write-in candidate*—who’ve collectively raised more than $1 million, according to the Sentinel. 5280 met with each of the candidates to learn more about why they are running, what they think about growth, and more.
Editor’s note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
The Candidates
*After failing to turn in enough valid signatures, Tiffany Grays’ name will not appear on the ballot, but she is running a write-in campaign. As mayor, her first priority would be talking to constituents: “From my experience, and just witnessing others, there’s a lot of people who believe their voices have not been heard. A lot of people who have concerns that they need addressed, and so that’s my priority.”
Top photo courtesy of Aurora