Mayoral Madness: Mike Johnston Makes His Final Pitch For Your Vote

Twenty-seven Denverites ran for mayor. Seventeen made the ballot. Now it’s down to two: Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston. Ballots are in the mail this week ahead of election day on June 6, and Denverites will decide. Will our first new mayor in 12 years be the snowplow-driving former CEO of Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce or the belt buckle-loving former state senator? Today, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Johnston to hear what he’d say to one of his many wealthy donors if they asked for a favor; how he’d bring downtown back to life; where he’s gonna put the “micro-communities” he promised for people experiencing homelessness; whether or not he’s worried about Denver’s stagnant population growth; and if he’d support a bid for a Denver Olympics. 

Mike mentioned Stephen Brackett’s proposal to create an Office of the Night Mayor. Bree talked to Stephen a few weeks ago about what a night mayor is and more of his big ideas for the future of Denver’s nightlife. 

Don’t miss yesterday’s episode with Johnston’s opponent, Kelly Brough!

Correction, May 18, 2023: Due to an editing error, an earlier version of this interview excluded a moment where Johnston emphasized how important to him the diversity of his voters was. That portion of the interview has since been reinstated. This is a re-uploaded, correct version.

Even more Mayoral Madness! And don’t miss the mayoral forum Bree is hosting on May 22 with Brough and Johnston. It’s Hot Ones-style, so they’ll be answering progressively tougher questions while eating progressively spicier wings. The event is sold out, but you can RSVP for the watch party or watch the livestream on Facebook. Should be fun! 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866

Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver

Or instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• The North Face
• BadBoyBoards
• Ullr’s Garden

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise