John Walsh was elected Denver’s next district attorney on Tuesday as voters decided his uncontested race and a handful of competitive district attorney races across the metro area.
Walsh, who won the Democratic primary in June against opponent Leora Joseph, will take office in January. He has named reducing violent crime and youth crime, as well as addressing the opioid epidemic, as priorities.
ELECTION RESULTS: Live Colorado election results for the 2024 election
“I’m honored by the trust the people of Denver have placed in me, and am committed to doing the hard work needed to live up to that confidence,” Walsh said in an interview Tuesday evening. “This is a moment of opportunity to work together for a safe, just and vibrant Denver, and I am looking forward to getting started.”
Voters on Tuesday also were choosing the first-ever district attorney in the newly created 23rd Judicial District, which will include Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, and a new district attorney in the 18th Judicial District, which now will include only Arapahoe County.
Lawmakers decided in 2020 to divide the 18th Judicial District — which currently covers Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties — into two districts, starting in January. It’s the first creation of a new judicial district in Colorado in 60 years.
In the 23rd Judicial District, Republican George Brauchler defeated Democrat Karen Breslin for the spot as top prosecutor. As of 11 p.m., Brauchler had notched a commanding lead, with 61.34% of the vote to Breslin’s 38.66%.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support of the community,” Brauchler said in an interview Tuesday evening. “It’s a little humbling.”
Breslin that she lost the race. “I just congratulate Mr. Brauchler on his victory tonight,” she said.
Brauchler, formerly the elected DA in the 18th Judicial District, has promised to aggressively prosecute repeat offenders while offering rehabilitation opportunities to first-time offenders of nonviolent crimes.
Breslin ran on a platform focused on reducing violent crime and reducing incarceration for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse and mental health issues.
In the 18th Judicial District, Democrat Amy Padden defeated Republican Carol Chambers. Incumbent John Kellner, who narrowly beat Padden in the race in 2020, did not seek reelection.
As of 11 p.m., Padden had 57.9% of the vote to Chambers’ 42.1%.
In a statement Wednesday morning, Padden said Chambers had conceded the race to her.
“I will fight violent crime in the district; address the mental health and substance abuse crises that far too many of our residents are experiencing; and protect our most vulnerable, including our seniors, our children, and our new Americans,” Padden said in a statement. “And I will make sure every member of our diverse Arapahoe County community, whether they are a victim, a witness or an individual accused of a crime, is heard and protected by our courts.”
Padden’s campaign focused on reducing crime, youth violence and rehabilitating low-level offenders. Chambers, who served as the 18th Judicial District’s DA from 2005 to 2013, named victims’ rights, fair administration of justice and community safety as her priorities in office.
Two Democratic incumbent district attorneys in the metro area also were re-elected Tuesday. First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King ran unopposed in Jefferson and Gilpin counties, and 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason was unchallenged in Adams County.
