In an intense effort to streamline the candidate pool for the upcoming at-large city council race in Aurora, a group of local Democrats tried and failed to convince independent candidate Watson Gomes to withdraw from the November elections.
Gomes, who is unaffiliated with any political party, expressed his firm stance on remaining in the race. “I’m independent,” he stated, emphasizing his decision to avoid party ideology. “I like to engage with people. I like to see different things, but also stay true to my core values and principles, and then defend what’s right and what’s wrong.”
Aurora’s elections, scheduled for November, include three city council wards and two at-large seats. Of the five candidates vying for the at-large positions, two will be elected. The contenders include two Republican incumbents, two registered Democrats, and Gomes. As an instructor at the Community College of Aurora, he brings an educational perspective to his campaign.
While city council races are designated as non-partisan, party dynamics significantly influence the proceedings, as evidenced by the current Republican dominance in the Aurora City Council. Local Democrats are eager to regain control of the council and believe that securing the two at-large seats is crucial. A common concern in these non-partisan races is the potential for similar candidates to split the vote, inadvertently benefiting their opposition.
Unlike partisan elections that include primary contests to mitigate vote splitting, local city council elections lack such mechanisms, often leading to candidates from the same ideological background pressured to bow out for the greater good.
Recent discussions unfolded on the Facebook streaming show hosted by Jeff Fard, known as “Brother Jeff,” where liberal candidates faced criticism over the perceived excess of Democrat-leaning individuals in the running for city council seats. Audience members voiced apprehension about the at-large race, which includes Republicans Danielle Jurinsky and Amsalu Kassaw, Democrats Alli Jackson and Rob Andrews, and Gomes.
In the much-contested Ward I, initially containing a selection of candidates, the roster has begun to dwindle. Two Democrats, Gianina Horton and Leandra Steed, were among those aiming for the single seat available.
The deadline to withdraw from the ballot was September 5, while Fard’s discussion came just two days before that. Following their appearance, Steed opted to terminate her candidacy. Supporters indicated that her withdrawal was influenced by pressure to facilitate a Democratic victory. Notably, the seat previously held by Democrat Crystal Murillo is now open as she is not seeking re-election.
Ward I also features two independent candidates, Rev. Reid Hettich and Stephen Elkins, alongside Horton, the lone registered Democrat remaining in the race.
On the same day as the ballot deadline, local Democrats sought to persuade Gomes to step aside. However, Gomes firmly declined, asserting his stance and the importance of his campaign. “If I drop right now, I am a big loser in this,” he declared, reaffirming his dedication to his supporters. “I cannot… just make decisions and say, ‘Oh, by the way, I’m going to drop out of the race,’ and jeopardize all the work people put into me.”
Confident in his candidacy, Gomes believes he can resonate with a diverse electorate, maintaining that his independent status uniquely positions him to bridge gaps between parties. He highlighted his appeal to the Ethiopian community, stating that he has garnered support from many voters who might have otherwise sided with Kassaw, an Ethiopian immigrant. His role as a college professor also adds a layer of significance to his campaign, particularly for his students.
Expressing optimism about his chances, Gomes remarked, “I still have a strong belief I can win. Even if I don’t win, this is a big win for me, because I’m not just doing this for me.”
Local political leaders acknowledge that persuading candidates to withdraw is a longstanding tactic employed by both major parties. These discussions typically revolve around campaign strategy and are seldom made public. Gomes’s conversation with Democrats unfolded during a Zoom meeting attended by several individuals, including invited media, on the day of the withdrawal deadline.
Initially, the dialogue shifted towards suggesting that Gomes could position himself for a stronger run in Ward IV the following year against Republican Councilmember Stephanie Hancock. The conversation, however, escalated to direct pressure for him to withdraw.
Kirk Manzanares, who urged Gomes to drop out, later reflected on the interaction, noting the high stakes of this election. He admitted to acting impulsively, driven by audience criticism during Fard’s program. “I feel like I rushed in like a stubborn bull,” he said, clarifying that he no longer believes it is necessary to narrow the candidate pool but stresses the importance of collaboration before November.
Many Democratic-leaning participants, both locally and in the wider metropolitan area, deem this city council election crucial due to the perceived extremist stances of several incumbent Republicans. Currently, Republicans hold a majority on the 10-seat Aurora City Council, with six seats claimed by their party.
Statistical data from Arapahoe County election officials show that Aurora’s electorate is predominantly unaffiliated (51%), with registered Democrats making up 28% and Republicans at 19%.
Opponents of the Republican-aligned city council members argue that their views do not reflect the will of the majority of Aurora voters. During Fard’s show, candidates were asked why this election is particularly significant, leading Democratic candidates Gianina Horton, Amy Wile, and Alli Jackson to express concerns about the potential for Republicans to seize as many as nine out of ten council seats, which would further shift the political landscape rightward.
Horton articulated fears regarding the direction of city governance, stating, “If there is a worst-case scenario, nine of them, I don’t trust that Aurora city government is going to work for the people.” She singled out Jurinsky, suggesting that her past behavior sets a concerning precedent for leadership.
Additionally, Democrats voiced apprehension regarding Elkins, an independent candidate in Ward I, asserting that he would align himself with the Republican bloc, given his collaborative campaigning with registered Republicans.
The electoral outcome will be determined on November 4, with mail-in ballots expected to be distributed towards the end of October.
image source from：sentinelcolorado
