“We’re thrilled to endorse Mike Johnston for Mayor. Throughout his career, he has been a strong ally for working Denverites.”
AFSCME Council 18, which represents public workers across Colorado and New Mexico, endorsed Mike Johnston in the runoff election for Denver Mayor this week. The City of Denver employs more than 11,000 workers, many of whom are AFSCME members.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the endorsement of AFSCME Council 18 in my bid to be Denver’s next mayor,” said Mike Johnston. “AFSCME members put in the work every single day to make Denver the best city it can be, and they know firsthand how important it is to have a Mayor who will work closely with public employees to take on the city’s toughest challenges. I’m honored that the city employees of Denver have put their trust in me to serve as the next Mayor, and I look forward to partnering closely with them to ensure Denver remains a pro-worker city.”
Mike has a long record of fighting for Denver workers. In the State Senate, he fought against harmful “Right to Work” legislation and voted to ensure firefighters in Colorado have the right to collective bargaining. After leaving the Senate, he led Gary Community Ventures, a local nonprofit, where he brought together unlikely coalitions to pass funding for affordable housing across the state and funding for teachers and public education. He is running for Mayor to take on Denver’s toughest challenges that impact every resident, including making housing more affordable, improving public safety, and helping unhoused Denverites access safe, stable housing with wraparound services.
Today’s endorsement comes as Mike has secured the support of UFCW Local 7, SMART Local 9 SMW, former Mayor Federico Peña, and Hon. Dottie Lamm.
Read AFSCME Council 18’s endorsement of Mike below:
Denver, CO – Today, AFSCME Council 18 endorsed Mike Johnston for Denver Mayor. Johnston has demonstrated his commitment to supporting working people and investing in the essential public services and public service workers who keep our communities running.
AFSCME Colorado Legislative and Political Director Sean Hinga said, “AFSCME members are the public service workers who dedicate their careers to keeping Denver safe, healthy, and strong. That’s why we’re thrilled to endorse Mike Johnston for Mayor. Throughout his career, he has been a strong ally for working Denverites. He fought to increase the minimum wage and ensured workers have the protections and benefits they need to thrive. As a former teacher and school principle, Mike also understands the challenges that public service workers face and is committed to building a strong public service workforce that is ready to respond to the needs of our community. We are excited to begin knocking on doors and talking to our neighbors to ensure we elect Mike Johnston to the Mayor’s office.”
AFSCME Council 18 members work across Colorado in city and county agencies, including Denver city workers. We provide the vital services that keep Colorado communities strong.