DENVER (KDVR) — With early results in, two candidates for Denver mayor are holding close leads, with the potential to meet again in a runoff.
Mike Johnston is leading with almost 25% of the vote as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. Kelly Brough is in second place with nearly 21% of the vote. Lisa Calderón was closing in with more than 17% of the vote.
Andy Rougeot, who was in fourth, conceded on Wednesday afternoon.
If no candidate gets at least 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will face each other in a runoff on June 6.
A total of 29 people filed paperwork to run and 17 candidates obtained enough signatures to get their names on the ballot. Tattered Cover CEO Kwame Spearman, who is one of the 17, dropped out of the race in March after ballots had already been printed and mailed.
Watch: Kelly Brough joins FOX31 Morning News
Watch: Mike Johnston joins FOX31 Morning News
The mayor sets the budget for the city and oversees operations of Denver International Airport, the police department, the sheriff’s office, the Department of Public Safety and more than 11,000 city employees.
In addition to mayor, Denver voters decided on city council members, auditor and three ballot questions. You can find the full 2023 Denver election results here.
This is the first open mayor’s race in 12 years since Michael Hancock was elected in 2011. He won re-election in 2015 with more than 80% of the vote in the general election. Four years later, in 2019, he won a runoff against Jamie Giellis.
Hancock’s last day in office is July 17.