AURORA —It appears Aurora is on its way to electing a candidate endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) organization to the city council.
Juan Marcano, who is a member of the DSA according to the group’s endorsement, currently leads incumbent Charles Richardson by 230 votes. Although the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder’s Office has been in the midst of controversy over replacement ballots going out late, and a Mayoral race that is still in the curing process, it doesn’t appear there is any path that would see a change in results for the Ward IV race.
The clerk’s office was closed Monday for the Veteran’s Day holiday, so it couldn’t confirm that counting was done, but Marcano has declared victory on his Facebook page: “With the county having done all the counting there is to do, we are still up by 230 votes. We are awaiting certification to make it official, but for now it appears as though we came out on top after a hard-fought battle. I want to thank the voters of Ward IV for turning out in force – whether I earned your support or not – for participating in our democracy. It will be the honor of my life to be your next councilmember and I will work hard every day to serve our ward and our city.”
Richardson has not conceded, nor has he posted to his Facebook page since election night. He could not be reached for comment.
According to its website, DSA is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with 55,000 members and 250 local groups. Its mission is to build progressive movements for “social change.”
“At the root of our socialism is a profound commitment to democracy, as means and end,” its website reads. “As we are unlikely to see an immediate end to capitalism tomorrow, DSA fights for reforms today that will weaken the power of corporations and increase the power of working people.”
“We are so excited to expand out electoral work into Aurora with a Democratic Socialist…” says the endorsement from the Denver chapter of DSA.
Marcano’s endorsements didn’t end with DSA, however. Many elected Democrats came out in favor of the candidate who ran on his immigrant roots, including Attorney General Phil Weiser, 6th Congressional District Rep. Jason Crow, Arapahoe County Commissioners Nancy Jackson and Bill Holen and State Rep Rep. Mike Weissman. He also received the endorsements of organizations such as Working Families Party, Run For Something and Colorado People’s Action, all of which recruit and support young progressives to help build their political careers and advance the socialist movement.
According to Marcano’s Facebook page and website he ran on increased public transit access, creating a city-owned bank, expanding affordable housing options with community land trusts, city-owned broadband service, and increased multi-modal transit options.
