Denver City Council member Sarah Parady resigned in August, creating a vacancy on the 13‑member body. The open At‑Large B seat will be filled in a special election scheduled for Nov. 5, 2026. The winner will assume office right away but will only serve a short term before the regular four‑year election in April 2027.

What the At‑Large B Seat Represents

The council’s two at‑large positions represent the entire city, meaning every registered Denver voter can cast a ballot for the seat. Council members, including those elected at‑large, vote on measures, laws, and policies that affect daily life for Denverites—ranging from minimum‑wage adjustments to contracts with private firms such as Flock, and appointments to the mayor’s cabinet.

Why This Election Matters

The council acts as the chief check on the mayor’s executive authority. In recent years, it has clashed with Mayor Mike Johnston over issues like needle‑exchange sites, the city budget, road infrastructure, and more. The new councilmember will inherit that dynamic and help shape the city’s direction on those and other critical topics.

Special Election Mechanics

The special election will be decided by a simple plurality: the candidate who receives the most votes wins outright, with no runoff required. However, the regular April election for both at‑large seats will require a majority (50 %+). If no candidate reaches that threshold, a runoff will be held.

Candidate Field

Ten individuals have filed to run for At‑Large B. Denverite reached out to each candidate with a standard set of questions covering their views on Mayor Johnston, housing, transportation, the city budget, and public safety. All but two candidates agreed to be interviewed and photographed; the remaining two will be added later if they complete the process.

Key Issues Highlighted by Candidates

• Mayor Johnston: Candidates were asked to assess the mayor’s leadership and propose how they would work with or challenge his agenda.
• Housing: Opinions varied on how to address affordability, zoning reforms, and new development.
• Transportation: Responses covered support for public transit expansions, road maintenance, and emerging mobility options.
• City Budget: Candidates discussed priorities for spending, tax policy, and fiscal responsibility.
• Public Safety: Views were shared on policing, community‑based safety initiatives, and emergency services.

How Voters Can Participate

Every registered Denver voter will receive a ballot listing the ten candidates for At‑Large B. Voters should review the candidate profiles, consider each candidate’s stance on the issues that matter most to them, and cast their vote on Nov. 5. Early voting locations and mail‑in ballot deadlines are posted on the Denver Elections Commission website.

Looking Ahead

The winner of the special election will step into the council immediately, gaining a front‑row seat at upcoming budget discussions and policy debates. They will also need to begin campaigning again for the regular April election, where a majority vote will be required to retain the seat.

Denverite will continue to update this guide as more candidates complete their interviews, ensuring voters have the most current information before heading to the polls.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.