Is Denver primarily a Democrat or Republican city?

Denver’s Political Landscape: A Democratic Stronghold

Though Denver’s city elections are officially non-partisan—meaning candidates don’t run under party labels—the city’s political reality tells a different story. In practice, Denver has been a stronghold for the Democratic Party for decades. Every elected citywide official, including the mayor, has been affiliated with the Democratic Party for generations.

The last time a Republican held the mayor’s office was over 60 years ago. Since the 1963 municipal election, Democrats have maintained uninterrupted control of Denver’s top leadership positions. This long-standing trend reflects the city’s broader demographic and cultural shift toward progressive values, especially as urban growth, increasing diversity, and a younger, more liberal electorate have reshaped local politics.

While non-partisan ballots aim to focus attention on candidates’ policies rather than party loyalty, the Democratic dominance in Denver makes party affiliation an open secret. Local elections often feature Democratic candidates competing more with each other than with Republicans, particularly in primaries or runoff races where progressive versus moderate divides take center stage.

Still, this doesn’t mean political life in Denver lacks debate. Issues like affordable housing, public transportation, policing reform, and climate action spark vigorous discussion—often within the Democratic Party itself. Yet, the absence of competitive Republican candidates in citywide races underscores how deeply entrenched Democratic influence has become.

In essence, Denver may not officially label its elections by party, but its political heartbeat has been firmly Democratic for over half a century. While the city’s priorities continue to evolve, the partisan pattern remains a defining feature of its governance.