Note: The video above shows election results before the City Council races were called.
DENVER (KDVR) — Change appears to be coming to Aurora’s municipal government, as progressives picked up several City Council seats and ousted three conservatives, including one of the council members most supportive of Trump.
Tuesday’s election saw a nationwide push toward Democrats, who described the night as a referendum on Republicans. Also in local elections, the Liberals made significant gains, according to Unofficial results yet.
Aurora A. has long been leading the way Conservative-leaning council It has a Republican mayor, but voters in Colorado’s most diverse city, which has been in the national spotlight over immigration enforcement, rejected three incumbent conservative council members and elected progressives in their places. Two other Progressives were also elected, five in total.
Community leaders called the change — which now sees a city council with a liberal majority — groundbreaking and said it signals the change coming to the city.
“I’m not surprised at all,” said Midian Shoffner, CEO of the community group An example of black excellence and partnershiphe told FOX31’s Vicente Arenas. “The ground is shaking. And when we saw those first scores drop, the community spoke, and they spoke loudly. The community is giving us a signal that we are not in this fight alone.”
Among the biggest upsets was the race for two at-large seats representing the entire city, which resulted in both incumbents losing re-election to progressive newcomers.
One of the incumbents, Danielle Gorensky, made a name for herself by allying herself with President Donald Trump on immigration issues, drawing attention to what they called the Venezuelan gang’s takeover of the city by the Tren de Aragua.
Gorensky W Hardline immigration council member Amsalo Kassaua refugee from Ethiopia, both lost their at-large seats to progressives Rob Andrews and Allie Jackson.
Gorinsky, V Message posted on Facebookacknowledged the race Wednesday night and thanked supporters:
Although last night’s election did not go the way we had hoped, I am very proud of the work we have accomplished together — the initiatives I have led and the efforts I have been privileged to support. Four years ago, I was told I couldn’t win. But we did. I have served my hometown and all of you with every ounce of passion, loyalty, and heart I possess.
I have fought valiantly and fiercely over the past four years. I have met the most amazing people in my life, and it has been an honor to serve you my entire life. And now I plan to rest. And for those who know me, you know that I never stay still for long. You never know what might call me back to serve again. “I never expected to find myself in politics, but I will always be willing to listen to Elijah’s voice.”
jackson, In her own post on Facebookthanked Aurora voters and congratulated the progressive ticket on the overall victory:
We outspent 20 to 1 – but their money didn’t vote. People did. This campaign was supported by volunteers who knocked on doors, made calls, and shared hope.
To Aurora’s Black community, thank you for your strength and perseverance in the fight for justice. Pronounce their names: Elijah McClain, Jordell Richardson, Kellen Lewis, and Rajon Belt-Stubblefield.
This progressive roster, Rob Andrews, Giannina Horton, Amy Wells, Ruben Medina, and I made history together. “We have stayed united, led by values, and demonstrated that when you organize with the heart, people power can defeat political machines.”
In addition to Andrews and Jackson, two more newcomers are joining the City Council.
Amy Wiles defeated incumbent Council Member and Police Association endorser Steve Sundberg for the Ward 2 seat after running to end false narratives that “not only harm our immigrant and refugee community, eroding their sense of safety and inclusion but also limiting growth in our city.”
District 1 voters also elected newcomer Giannina Horton, who ran on a platform of police accountability and transparency.
Progressive incumbent Ruben Medina retained his Ward 3 seat.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman congratulated the winners in a Facebook post Wednesday night.
“I look forward to working with all of you to make the City of Aurora the best it can be,” Kaufman said.