Denver progressive activist Jake Browne announced that, while his name will stay on the ballot for the at‑large Denver City Council seat, he is throwing his full support behind fellow candidate Melissa Mejía. In a video posted to his social‑media accounts, Browning said, “If we’re going to beat the type of campaign that I have been rallying you against since day one, I have to put my ego aside and get behind the one candidate that I think can actually win this damn thing.”
Why the endorsement matters
Browne’s decision comes amid concerns among Denver’s progressive base that a crowded field of left‑leaning candidates could split the vote and enable a more moderate contender to prevail. By uniting behind Mejía, Browning hopes to consolidate the progressive electorate and give the campaign a clearer path to victory.
Mejía’s campaign praised
In the comments to Browning’s video, Mejía responded, “One of the best parts of this race was getting to know you and seeing how much you care about the people of Denver. This takes real character, you’re a real one and I don’t take this lightly. You put in the work, and then you put the city ahead of your own name on the ballot. Thank you, friend. We won’t waste it.” The exchange underscores the camaraderie among candidates who share a commitment to Denver’s neighborhoods and public services.
Campaign financing and Fair Elections Fund use
Both Browning and Mejía have relied heavily on the city’s Fair Elections Fund, a taxpayer‑funded resource intended to level the playing field for candidates without deep pockets. Browning has criticized rivals who, in his view, use the fund for traditional advertising such as digital ads and mailed flyers rather than grassroots outreach. He specifically called out Monica Martinez, who has received over $228,000 in Fair Elections Fund dollars in addition to $125,000 in private contributions, and whose campaign is backed by the National Association of Realtors, Senator Michael Bennet, and several former or current Denver elected officials.
Practical voting information
Voters who have already cast a ballot for Browning but wish to change their vote can follow the instructions provided by the Colorado Secretary of State. A replacement ballot is available for in‑person voting as long as the original mailed ballot has not been submitted. As of Friday, more than 124,000 Denverites have already turned in their ballots, according to the Secretary of State’s latest figures.
What’s next for the race
With the primary deadline approaching, the endorsement is expected to shift campaign dynamics. Mejía’s team has highlighted her experience in community organizing and her focus on affordable housing, public safety, and protecting Denver’s public schools. Browning’s supporters are encouraged to follow Mejía’s platform and help mobilize voters in the final weeks before the November election.
The Denver City Council at‑large race remains one of the most closely watched local contests this cycle, reflecting broader debates over progressive policy priorities and the role of public financing in municipal elections.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
