Denver City Councilwoman Debbie Ortega filed to run for mayor Friday, adding another high-profile name to the city’s first open mayoral race in more than a decade.
Ortega is an uncommonly seasoned veteran of Denver politics. She was first elected to the council in 1987 and served until 2003, when newly established term limits required her to leave office. Ortega was then elected again in 2011 to an at-large seat on the council and is once more term-limited, like current Mayor Michael Hancock.
Recently, the councilwoman helped lead an ill-fated effort to ban flavored tobacco and vaping products in the city, but more broadly she has focused on environmental and transportation issues.
“For over 40 years, I have been a trailblazer in Denver, advocating for meaningful policy to address the issues that matter most to our neighbors and local businesses,” Ortega said in a statement. “It is time for Denver to chart a new course. This will require a leader who works side-by-side with the people, as I have for my entire career.”
She pledged to work and balance Denver’s growth and development with “critical” infrastructure, while boosting the city’s affordable housing stock.
“We can expand parks and open space. We can ensure access to multi-modal transportation options and protect against climate change,” she added. “We will work as a team to combat crime, increase safety and help our neighbors experiencing homelessness to move off our streets and into stable housing and employment.”
Nine other people have announced their candidacy for mayor in the city’s municipal election early next year, and since she’s already won multiple citywide elections, Ortega ranks among the leading contenders.
Kelly Brough, former president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and former chief of staff to then-Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, launched her own campaign in mid-August.
Anna Burrell, Alex Cowans, Marcus Giavanni, Jesse Lashawn Parris, Terrance Roberts, Andy Rougeot, Ken Simpson and Ean Thomas Tafoya also are vying to lead the city.
Other high-profile candidates might also run but haven’t yet confirmed their plans. Those potential candidates in waiting include activist Lisa Calderon, state Sen. Chris Hansen, state Rep. Leslie Herod and former state legislator Penfield Tate III.
