Denver Mayor Michael Hancock signals break from politics

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock appears headed for the political exit once his third term ends in 2023 to "go enjoy family and life for a while and earn a decent living," he told Axios.

• Between the lines: The mayor's salary is $179, 842 this year.

Yes, but: A congressional bid isn't out of the question, he told us, nor is a role in President Biden's administration.

• "I would never say never to any of that," Hancock said.

Of note: The Denver Institute of Equity and Reconciliation won't be his landing pad post-mayorship. Hancock announced last summer he was establishing the think tank to become a "national leader" in addressing systemic racism.

• "I'm sure I'll be involved in some way or the other, but no, that's not where I plan to go," he told us.

What to watch: Denver's 2023 mayoral race is a wide-open contest.

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