Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced on Wednesday that he is endorsing University of Colorado Regent Michael Carrigan in the Denver District Attorney’s race.
Hancock’s endorsement is the to line up behind Carrigan as the crowded race takes shape before the primary election in June.
“Michael Carrigan is hands down Denver’s best choice for our next District Attorney,” Hancock said in a statement. “He is a skilled lawyer, active community member and strong leader with the legal experience needed to ensure justice for Denver’s residents. I am confident Michael will bring a balanced perspective to the DA’s office to help make Denver a safer, better place.”
Carrigan has also received endorsements from former senator and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and former Denver mayors Wellington Webb and Federico Peña. Carrigan, who was elected to the CU Board of Regents in 2004 and 2010, said he was “honored to have the mayor’s endorsement and support.”
“It is essential that Denver’s next DA bring a smart, modern approach to our criminal justice system through collaboration, engagement and accountability,” Carrigan said in a statement.
A total of four candidates have entered the race to succeed District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, who is term limited in 2016. Morrissey succeeded Bill Ritter.
State Rep. Beth McCann, the former manager of public safety for Denver, in January 2015. McCann served as a deputy and chief deputy district attorney in the Denver office before being elected to the state legislature in 2009.
Two current prosecutors with the Denver District Attorney’s office have also put in their bids.
Senior has worked in the office for nearly a decade. Boyd announced his campaign in early 2015.
The last candidate to enter the race, , has been a prosecutor with the Denver office for 21 years. Morgan entered the race in September.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794, jsteffen@denverpost.com or @jsteffendp
