Denver voters are sending a clear message to Mayor Mike Johnston as his approval rating drops to a historic low. A bipartisan poll conducted by Aspect Strategic and New Bridge Strategy of 400 likely voters released this week shows only 39% of respondents view the mayor positively, while 50% hold a negative view.
Poll methodology and overall sentiment
The survey, fielded online and by phone in early August, carries a margin of error of 4.9 percent. Although 49% of participants say Denver is heading in the right direction, the mayor’s personal ratings have shifted dramatically since the first poll in June 2024, when support was roughly evenly split.
Key issues influencing opinions
Homelessness remains the top concern for 36% of voters, though that figure has fallen from 54% a year ago. Johnston’s administration points to progress, citing the removal of encampments from the city center and the creation of hotel‑style shelters that have housed hundreds of people. Housing affordability and crime rank next among resident worries.
Critics argue the mayor is not delivering enough. Forty‑seven percent of those who view him unfavorably say he isn’t up to the job, and many express broader frustration with government and city leadership.
Rise of socialist identification
The poll also tracks ideological self‑identification. Seventeen percent of respondents now label themselves socialist, up from 11% in 2024, while only 15% identify as conservative. Even among those who do not call themselves socialists, a majority—55%—rate the ideology favorably.
Democratic socialist candidate Melat Kiros, who upset Rep. Diana DeGette in a recent congressional race, is viewed favorably by 44% of respondents, compared with 35% for DeGette.
Mayor’s response and upcoming election
Mayor Johnston’s spokesperson, Jon Ewing, emphasized the city’s progress, noting historic reductions in homelessness and crime, as well as investments in affordable housing and downtown revitalization. He said Denver residents “see the progress and believe the city is moving in the right direction, even as they expect us to keep delivering.”
Johnston is slated for re‑election in April 2027 and faces several potential challengers, including Lisa Calderón and Shontel Lewis, both of whom remain relatively unknown to the electorate.
Other local issues
Beyond the mayor’s rating, the poll reveals strong public support for converting underused office buildings into housing (71%) and for Denver’s bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention (nearly 70%). Residents also favor the city’s dockless scooter and e‑bike program, now operated by Veo.
Conversely, optimism wanes on the bus rapid transit project along East Colfax Avenue, with only 36% expressing a positive outlook, and just 32% say they would ride autonomous Waymo vehicles when they become available.
City Council and school board ratings
The Denver City Council mirrors the mayor’s standing, with 38% of respondents rating it favorably. The Denver School Board lags further behind, earning a favorable rating from only 25% of voters.
As the city heads toward the 2027 mayoral race, the poll underscores a shifting political landscape in Denver, marked by growing left‑leaning sentiment and mounting expectations for tangible results from city leadership.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
