DENVER — Michael Hancock claimed victory in Denver's mayoral runoff election about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday after polls closed. Challenger Jamie Giellis conceded, calling Hancock after 9 p.m.
Hancock secured 90,959 votes or 56.29% of votes as of 1:40 a.m., Wednesday. Results remain unofficial until the election certification June 13.
"Tonight, this victory is for everyone in Colorado," Hancock said during his speech.
Hancock, a two-term incumbent, failed to win the 50% plus one vote needed to win the May 7 election, instead receiving 38.65%, causing a runoff against Giellis who earned 24.88% of votes in May.
Hancock is a Denver native who has held elected office for more than a decade, and who touts the city’s growth as its biggest asset.
Giellis is a Denver transplant who rose to prominence as the former president of the River North (RiNo) Art District, who believes that growth is one of the city’s biggest problems.
It was a heated race after Giellis accused Hancock of a 'culture of sexual harassment'. Giellis deleted social media accounts after drawing criticism for her comments related to African Americans, Latinos, and Asians.
The two also sparred over development and homelessness in Denver.
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