Denver voters appear optimistic but split on mayor
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Denverites feel increasingly optimistic about their city but less so about its mayor, a new poll finds.
Why it matters: The findings are notable given the recent turmoil at City Hall, and serve as a public report card for Mayor Mike Johnston at the halfway mark of his first term.
By the numbers: In three key categories, the city's outlook is improving among likely 2026 election voters, according to results from a bipartisan Colorado Polling Institute survey released Thursday.
- A 51% majority says the city is headed in the right direction, compared to 41% who say it's on the wrong track — an improvement from the prior two years.
- Those who say they feel "very safe" in Denver increased to 30%, a significant jump from 18% in 2023.
- 44% now feel optimistic about downtown Denver's recovery, up from 30% two years ago.
Zoom in: Denver voters are evenly split on Johnston's performance in his first two years at 46%.
- Those who view him unfavorably increased by 8 percentage points from 2024.
- Overspending and poor financial planning are collectively the No. 1 reason voters soured on Johnston. One in 4 respondents cited it as a reason they didn't like the mayor.
- His supporters say addressing homelessness is the top factor driving his positive ratings.
What they're saying: "He's not making converts to the Johnston' cause, but he's also dealing with some difficult and long enduring issues," Republican pollster Lori Weigel of New Bridge Strategy told Axios Denver.
- "He's swimming in a river where there's lots of impediments to making big changes."
The big picture: Homelessness and affordable housing remain the top two issues facing the city, while illegal immigration slipped far down the list.
- An emerging issue is the city's fiscal health. One in 10 voters cited "balancing the budget" and "cutting wasteful spending" as top concerns.
What we're watching: The mayor's next test is his 2025 Vibrant Denver Bond on the November ballot.
- The poll found most voters know nothing about the $935 billion spending package that will cost $1.9 billion to repay. But once learning about it, 65% suggest they will support it.
The fine print: The poll was conducted Aug. 14-19 by Republican firm New Bridge Strategy and Democratic outfit Aspect Strategic on behalf of the Colorado Polling Institute.
- The margin of error was plus-or-minus 4.8 percentage points.