Lisa Calderón is once again running for Denver mayor, announcing Tuesday that she will seek the office in the city’s next mayoral election on April 6, 2027.

A progressive Democrat and longtime community advocate, Calderón is making her third bid for mayor, saying the decision comes after months of hearing from residents who feel Denver is slipping out of reach for the people who built their lives here.

Across the city, she said, people are struggling with rising rents, shrinking services, and a growing sense that City Hall isn’t listening.

“Denver should work for the people who live here,” Calderón said. “Instead, many residents are seeing higher rents, fewer city services, and homelessness managed out of sight rather than addressed in a meaningful way.”

Calderón is challenging first-term Mayor Mike Johnston, whose administration has faced criticism over the city’s finances. A budget shortfall last year led to the layoff of about 170 city workers and the elimination of 665 vacant positions—cuts that, Calderón argues, have real consequences for neighborhoods.

She also questioned how decisions are being made at City Hall and who has influence over them.

“When residents speak up, they deserve to be heard—not ignored or sidelined,” Calderón said. “Leadership requires transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability to voters, not to wealthy donors or lobbyists.”

Calderón previously ran for mayor in 2019 and 2023. In the 2023 race, she finished third with 18.1% of the vote, missing a spot in the runoff by less than two percentage points. She has often pointed to the contrast between her roughly $300,000 grassroots campaign and Johnston’s $3 million campaign, much of it fueled by large donors and out-of-state contributions.

Her 2027 campaign will focus on housing affordability, responsible budgeting, and long-term solutions to homelessness. Calderón plans to formally launch her campaign with a kickoff event on February 11, 2026, at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center.

“I’m running again because the challenges Denver faces are solvable,” Calderón said. “With the right leadership, this city can do better.”

Calderón will formally launch her third mayoral campaign at the We Love Denver Celebration Kick-Off Party at Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center on Feb. 11 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.