Denver voters will hear more than policy positions in the upcoming City Council race as the legal battle between candidate Julissa Soto and former campaign director Joseph Silva moves to court. The dispute centers on alleged misuse of campaign money and personal conduct during the short‑lived partnership.
Background on the candidates
Julissa Soto entered the race in April, self‑funding her campaign with $50,000 of personal money after an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the city’s Fair Elections Fund. Soto describes herself as a naturalized citizen, public‑health advocate, and founder of the Immigrant Health Access Collaborative. Her platform emphasizes after‑school programs, support for small businesses, and affordable housing.
Joseph Silva, a longtime education and community activist, joined Soto’s team on April 20 as campaign director. His responsibilities included overall strategy, website development, and fundraising. Silva has previously run for City Council and the Denver School Board without winning.
Allegations and legal filings
Silva resigned on Sept. 28, citing “operations, conduct, judgment and legal and ethical matters.” In a press release he said, “Public service requires accountability, transparency, sound judgment, and respect for the responsibility entrusted to candidates and elected officials.” He later filed a countersuit seeking $50,000 in damages for defamation.
Soto responded the next day by filing a temporary protective order and a lawsuit alleging that Silva made five unauthorized transactions totaling $33,500. Court records show two $10,000 transfers in mid‑August and three additional transfers that Soto says she did not approve. Soto also accuses Silva of physically grabbing her, yelling at her during a networking event, and threatening to leave the campaign if she did not get into his car.
Fair Elections Fund controversy
Silva’s resignation was triggered, in part, by concerns over the campaign’s attempt to qualify for the Fair Elections Fund, which matches donations after a candidate collects at least 200 contributions of $5 or more. Silva discovered that many donor addresses were duplicated, with dozens of contributions listed at a single residence. When he raised the issue, Soto apologized, attributing the irregularities to two friends who helped gather the envelopes.
The city’s campaign‑finance office declined to comment on whether the alleged irregularities constitute fraud, noting that the donations were never submitted for matching.
Legal proceedings and next steps
The court hearing is set for Thursday, Oct. 8. Soto is seeking a determination on whether any campaign funds were improperly obtained, transferred, spent, or reported, and requests financial reimbursement or other relief. Silva denies the allegations in his hearing package.
Both candidates have declined multiple interview requests for this story. Soto did not participate in Denverite’s voter guide, while Silva is now endorsing fellow candidate Monica Martinez.
Implications for the race
The legal showdown adds a contentious layer to a race already featuring ten candidates vying for a seat that will be filled only until April, when the regular four‑year term begins. Voters will need to weigh the candidates’ policy positions alongside these recent allegations of campaign‑finance mismanagement and personal conduct.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
