18 now signal intent to run for Aurora City Council in November; 7 in Ward I

AURORA | The list of people intending to run for city council  seats this fall continues to get longer, as new hopefuls for at-Large seats and Ward I sign on as candidates. 

People can put their hat in the ring and add their name to the clerk’s office for financial reports, but they will all need to get the necessary number of signatures by Aug. 23, according to city election rules for 2025. 

Ward positions require 50 signatures from valid voters, and at-large positions require 100 signatures.

The Aurora City Council races are non-partisan, but partisan politics have, for the last several years, played a significant role in city council politics and its operation. A measure seeking to require ballots to reveal political party registration failed three years ago.

Every elected county, state and congressional office representing Aurora — but one state House seat — is held by a registered Democrat. The Aurora City Council, however, is governed by a majority of registered Republicans, former Republicans or members aligning with the Republican Party.

Ward I in Aurora encompasses the oldest parts of the city and is sometimes referred to as the “heart of” and “original” Aurora. Incumbent Councilmember Crystal Murillo, a Democrat, has not publicly announced whether she will seek a final term, but five other people have filed with the city their intentions to run.

Candidates so far include Rev. Reid Hettich, Stephen Elkins, Gianina Horton, Christopher Belila, Leandra Steed, Javier Chavez and James Willett.

In Ward II, Gayla Carrier, Amy Wiles and incumbent Councilmember Steve Sundberg have all made public their intent to run for the seat. 

Former Aurora Councilmember Marsha Berzins, a Republican, made public her intent to reclaim the Ward III council seat, currently held by Councilmember Ruben Medina, a Democrat, who also announced he will seek re-election to a second term. 

In the city’s two at-large council races, incumbents Danielle Jurinsky and Amsalu Kassaw, both Republicans, have announced they are running. Jurinsky is in her second term, and Kassaw was appointed in December to Councilmember Dustin Zvonek’s seat. He is running for his first term. Those looking to run for at-large seats include Rob Andrews, who stepped down from running for mayor in the last city council election so not to split the Democratic vote with previous Democratic Councilmember Juan Marcano. Alexandra Jackson, Jorge Hernandez and Aaron Futrell are all newly signed up with interest to run.

Party affiliations for the candidates were those listed by the candidates during the 2024 election.

Two at-large city council seats 

Alexandra Jackson

Jackson, a Democrat, is a social worker and a mother.  On her campaign website, Jackson said she is running on a “Community First” platform and is committed to ensuring that Aurora’s growth benefits all residents, not just big corporations or special interests.

“Aurora changed my family’s life, and I’m running to protect that legacy and build a brighter future for our city,” said Jackson on her campaign website. 

Jackson said her campaign is centered on economic growth, family support and community wellness.

Her focus on economic growth includes expanding small business grants, creating more job pipelines from schools, especially high-paying careers, and fighting price gouging, driving up the cost of living, according to her campaign website.

“I’ve seen new development bring opportunity, but I’ve also watched too many neighbors struggle to afford living here,” she said on her website. “We need leadership that puts people first, listens to our community, and ensures that Aurora remains a place where families, workers and small businesses can thrive.”

Family matters include advocating for affordable childcare, expanding after-school and recreational programs, and ensuring families have access to mental health and social services, according to her website. Community wellness includes strengthening relationships between social services and the city, increasing funding for affordable housing, and protecting Aurora’s natural spaces.

Jorge Hernandez

Hernandez has not created a website or any announcement and did not immediately respond to the Sentinel for more information.

Danielle Jurinsky

Jurinsky has made public that she is running for a second term at-large. The other at-large seat is currently held by Amsalu Kassaw, a Republican. Jurinsky said she has lived in Aurora her whole life. She is a mother and a small business owner. 

Jurinsky owns and operates JJ’s Place bar and restaurant in Aurora and describes herself as a pro-business city lawmaker.

During her first term, Jurinsky garnered national media attention and that of the Trump presidential campaign, promoting the narrative that immigrant gangs had “overrun” or “taken over” parts of Aurora. Jurinsky’s critics say the false and exaggerated claims she made were for the benefit of a national election season narrative.

Jurinsky is a single mother, and she said on her campaign website that she is “fighting for a stronger, safer Aurora while bridging the gap between Aurora citizens and our local Aurora law enforcement.”

As a small business owner and representative, she spearheaded the removal of the $2 monthly “head tax” for businesses and employees, which was estimated to bring the city an additional $6 million in tax revenue. The change has recently become an issue as the city is experiencing a shortfall in revenue to balance the 2026 budget.

Jurinsky has been vocal in her first term about her “tough on crime” philosophy, backing a variety of measures increasing fines and jail time for theft and vagrancy. She supported the city’s homeless camping ban and the opening of the Aurora Navigation Campus, a “work-first” approach facility addressing homelessness.

She said she will continue to focus on jobs and the economy, public safety, revitalizing neighborhoods, and taxes and fees.

“​​I strongly believe that Americans should be able to keep most of the money they earn,” Jurinsky said on her campaign website. “I will continue to fight back against any increases that take more money away unnecessarily from hard-working Aurora families. I will continue to fight to lower existing taxes and fees for the people of Aurora.”

Rob Andrews

Rob Andrews, a Democrat, announced his candidacy for an at-large seat.

Andrews is the founder of the One Voice Coalition, a local start-up that works with underserved communities. 

“With a lifelong commitment to service and a deep passion for the community, Andrews is running to bring fresh leadership, bold solutions and a collaborative approach to the city’s challenges,” a statement about Andrews stated.

He said his campaign will focus on fostering economic opportunity for all residents, creating high-quality jobs, and taking a unique and proven approach to building affordable housing and community-based public safety. Andrews ran for Aurora mayor in 2023, but ultimately decided to drop out in order not to “split the vote” with fellow Democrat Juan Marcano, who started campaigning earlier than Andrews. 

“I love this city, and I believe in its potential,” Andrews said in the statement. “I’m running for City Council because we need affordable housing, economic opportunities that uplift our entire community and safer neighborhoods for all residents. I’ve spent years working to improve lives in Aurora, and I’m ready to take that work to City Hall.”

Andrews is a Colorado native, and said he has been involved in economic initiatives in both Adams and Arapahoe Counties, the statement said. He serves on multiple steering committees on public safety reform and economic mobility in Aurora, and his experience includes leadership roles in nonprofits and public service, having served on the Colorado Workforce Development Board, Denver County Workforce Development Board and the Colorado Judicial Performance Commission. He also played professional football for a short while before suffering a career-ending injury. 

“A former professional athlete, Rob’s journey has been defined by resilience, service and a deep commitment to his community,” the statement said. 

Aaron Futrell 

Futrell, a Democrat, is a lead clerk at the United States Postal Service.

“I am running for the community; this campaign is powered by community,” Futrell said on his Facebook. “Please engage with me on this page and let’s make Aurora the City I know and love.”

Futrell previously served on the Aurora Human Relations Commission, including as vice chair from 2022-23. He currently serves on RTD’s Citizen Advisory Commission, and he said he is active in the community regarding racial justice, economic justice and climate justice. 

“Over the course of the last few years the narrative of our families and residents have been dragged through the mud and that is why I am taking a leap of faith and entering the race for At Large, my grandmother was elected 34 years as the first African American Women to serve and 34 years later leadership and council has not changed,” he said in a post.

Amsalu Kassaw

Kassaw, a Republican, is an Ethiopian-born, at-large city councilmember who was appointed to former Councilmember Dustin Zvonek’s vacant seat last fall and said, “he wants to continue to be a voice for the city’s diverse residents,” in a statement.

Kassaw has only been on the city council since December, and has not been the prime sponsor yet of any measures or issues.

“Aurora is more than a city to me; it’s a symbol of opportunity, diversity and unity,” Kassaw said in the statement. “From my early days of building a new life in America to becoming a proud citizen, this community has shaped who I am today. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to promoting civic engagement, supporting small businesses and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.”

Kassaw has worked for 20 years in the security industry and currently works as a lieutenant at the GEO Group’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He is the first Ethiopian immigrant to hold the office in the state of Colorado, according to the statement. He graduated from Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa University and has served his local community in various capacities. 

“I’m honored to be not only a voice for the growing Ethiopian population, but the many immigrant and diverse communities that proudly call Aurora home,” Kassaw said in a statement. “These families and residents deserve a safe and vibrant city that continues to create opportunities for all to succeed, which is why I am running.”

Kassaw said he is focused on creating meaningful opportunities, safer communities, improving infrastructure, and reducing barriers to economic growth.

“This journey isn’t just about me — it’s about us. Together, we can unlock Aurora’s full potential and create a future defined by inclusivity, opportunity, and resilience,” he said in the statement.

Ward I, north and northwest Aurora

Javier Chavez

Chavez, a Democrat, is currently working as a committee member for the City of Aurora Advisory Committee on Housing and Community Development and vice chair of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Chavez is also a Senior Planner for the State of Colorado’s Department of Personnel Administration. He did not immediately return an email; however, he ran for the vacant seat of the previous At-Large Councilmember Dustin Zvonek last fall. 

Lea Steed

Steed, a Democrat, is a director of Equity Matters at Great Education Colorado. She grew up in the metro Aurora area and attended Denver and Aurora Public Schools. She attended the Community College of Denver and received a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. 

“Lead with Steed,” Her campaign motto said on her flyer. 

Steed has served on various community organizations, including as the chairperson for the NAACP Aurora Education Committee.

Steed plans to “champion three critical pillars” in the community: affordable and fair housing, public safety, and economic development and growth. 

In her campaign email, she said that every Aurora resident deserves a safe and stable place to call home, with a clear pathway to ownership, strong tenant protections, and families being kept housed and together. 

She also plans to focus on public safety through fostering understanding and collaboration to build trust, ensuring the safety of the aging population, veterans, and students, and promoting community-centered safety initiatives. She also plans to focus on economic development and growth by supporting small and home businesses and protecting workers’ rights.

Rev. Reid Hettich

Hettich, an unaffiliated voter, is a well-known pastor and community leader in Aurora, and he brings more than 20 years of community and church service to Aurora, focusing on community revitalization, equity and public safety. According to Hettich’s campaign website, he plans to “focus on community-driven leadership and delivering real results.” 

Hettich is executive director and founder of Mosaic Unlimited, a church-based organization,  co-owner of the Dayton Street Opportunity Center, chairperson of Aurora’s Key Community Response Team, a member of the Community Advisory Council for Aurora’s Consent Decree, and a host of other community boards and programs.

One notable point of pride for Hettich was the work he did with Aurora Public Schools to connect mentors with at-risk students to help improve their chances of graduating. The mentors he helped connect the students with led to an 80% on-time graduation rate for participants. 

Stephen Elkins

Elkins, an unaffiliated voter and a former planner for the City of Denver, is a resident of the Jewell Heights neighborhood. He regularly attends city council meetings, making frequent public comments.

“I think I’m really looking more towards solutions rather than a more hard-edged ideology,” Elkins said, calling himself a centrist. “Most people in this country are toward the middle of things, and I think we need leaders who reflect that as well.”

Elkins currently works for a data center company, which he says frequently collaborates with local governments on permitting and project management. He held a variety of positions as a city planner for the City of Denver for more than seven years.

He said his experience working with municipal bureaucracy will help him effectively represent Ward I residents and improve communication between city officials and the public, he said.

“I enjoy connecting people with government, explaining complex processes, and making sure that people are heard and connected,” Elkins said.

Elkins said, if elected, he would focus on public safety, economic development and government accountability.

Christopher Belila

Belila, who is an unaffiliated voter, is the founder of Beer Bodega in Denver, a partnership business model that offers small Denver metro-based breweries the opportunity to expand their business into new markets, according to Belila.

“Excited to share that I’m running for Aurora City Council, representing Ward I, known for its rich cultural diversity, making it a vibrant community in Colorado,” Belila said in a post on LinkedIn. “Despite its current reputation, Ward I is home to kind-hearted individuals deserving of a positive image.”

Belila said that Ward I faces challenges such as infrastructure investment and public safety, but solutions are within reach. 

“By utilizing governmental tools and taking essential steps, we can strengthen the Ward’s foundation and pave the way for a revitalized Ward I and Colfax corridor,” he said on LinkedIn. “As a candidate, my priority is to lay the groundwork for a thriving future. I am committed to empowering city professionals with the expertise to drive meaningful change and supporting initiatives led by experienced leaders to restore and strengthen Ward I. Together, we can create a brighter, more vibrant community.”

He said he aims to champion city professionals with the expertise needed for impactful changes and support initiatives led by experienced individuals to rejuvenate Ward I. 

“Together, let’s work towards a brighter tomorrow for our community,” he said in the statement.

Gianina Horton 

Horton, a Democrat, currently serves as the state’s coordinator for reducing racial and ethnic disparities. She previously served as a co-executive director for the Denver Justice Project and a project manager for the Denver Office of the Independent Monitor. 

“We need representatives who are reflective of the communities who live in the areas that have the most need and really engage with community members,” Horton said. “We should be showing up authentically to make sure that our voices and our power is constantly at the table where legislation is being built.”

Horton received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College in political science and government and went to high school at Denver Center for International Studies. 

“Education was a critical means for me, continuously breaking the cycle that my mother broke, and building off that,” she said.

Horton also served as a member of Aurora’s consent decree Community Advisory Council. 

“It is about building a sense of belonging for all who call Aurora home and making sure that I, as a candidate, am building trust between residents and local governance,” Horton said.

James Joseph Willett

Willett put his name in with the city clerk for the city council, but has not made any public announcement to distinguish his candidacy. He did not immediately return the inquiry about his campaign. 

Ward II, central-east Aurora

Amy Wiles

Wiles, a Democrat, has lived in Aurora for 25 years and is actively involved in community-driven groups and lives and works in healthcare in Aurora. 

“I am not a politician; I am a dedicated community member focused on improving our neighborhood,” Wiles said on her campaign website. “I have always emphasized the importance of community engagement, volunteering, and giving back.”

Wiles previously served in groups including Women in Business and was a “Women Making a Difference” nominee. She is also a Leadership Aurora Graduate and serves as a City of Aurora Human Relations Commissioner, chairperson and a member of the Community Advisory Council for the Aurora Police Department Consent Decree.

Wiles is a volunteer with Special Olympics Colorado and previously volunteered with Brent’s Place, Homes for Our Troops and as a Big Sister. 

Professionally, Wiles works in product development for a healthcare corporation and owns a small photography business specializing in sports and senior photos.

Wiles said she plans to focus on infrastructure, streets, youth and food deserts. 

On her campaign website, she said that Ward II has had a lot of growth with new homes, gas stations, oil and gas facilities, but infrastructure has been neglected. Wiles said that Ward II needs more police support and shorter wait times for police assistance. 

“In the eastern part of the ward, the community is surrounded by poorly maintained, two-lane roads,” her campaign page said. “Despite the continuous addition of new homes, we have not addressed the inadequacy of our roadways. This has often created unsafe situations for community members and repeated accidents.”

She also said there should be fewer grocery store deserts, with residents in the eastern part of the ward needing to drive eight miles to reach a grocery store. Wiles also wants to focus on supporting more spaces for the youth and teens by possibly adding more community centers in the ward or more spaces for youth to spend time outside school and their homes. 

Steve Sundberg

Sundeberg, a Republican, has lived in Aurora for 30 years and owns and operates Legends of Aurora Sports Grill. Sundberg describes himself as pro-small business and has worked on public safety legislation and reducing homelessness.

He sponsored panhandling education signage to discourage panhandling and has taken the tough-on-crime approach and “tough love” approach for homelessness. 

“In this ‘tough love’ approach, Steve has strengthened our camping ban and spearheaded a campaign to discourage panhandling,” his campaign website said. “Concerned residents are encouraged to give to the organizations who work with the homeless, to ensure that the donations are used wisely.”

Sundberg’s campaign website said he will continue to focus on public safety, local business, reducing homelessness and affordable housing.

Gayla Charrier

Charrier, a Democrat, is running for the Ward II seat. 

Charrier previously worked in the field of government security for United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and currently has a Certified Nurse Assistant license and serves as a caregiver for her non-verbal autistic son.

“I have advocated for him and others within his current school district,” she said. “I am a firm believer in sharing what I have learned with other parents, especially when it pertains to resources for special needs kids.”

Charrier said that during the time she lived in Aurora, she witnessed numerous changes, which she said she plans to address during her campaign.

Ward II is the largest ward, geographically, in Aurora, including vast tracts of land extending to and beyond Denver International Airport and east to Watkins.

Ward III, central-west Aurora

Ruben Medina

Medina, a Democrat, has lived in Aurora for 35 years and is a project manager at the Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities. Medina is running for his second term in Ward III. 

A Community organizer, a wrestling coach, a father of three, and a former firefighter/EMT, Medina said he sees his priority as listening keenly to his community representing them on the dais with his vote. 

Medina spent his last term building the city’s relationship with his diverse constituency.

“We must come together as a community to ensure Aurora remains vibrant, economically strong, and a safe place to live, work and play,” Medina said in a statement. “Rebuilding the sense of unity within our neighborhoods is essential, as true progress happens when we

collaborate and support one another.”

For a second term, Medina said he would build on a safer Aurora, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for our youth, and ensuring strong support for the elder community.

“Additionally, I am committed to fostering economic growth by attracting new opportunities and venues that will enhance Aurora’s economy and quality of life for all residents,” Medina said in a statement.”

Marsha Berzins 

Berzins is running for city council of Aurora in Ward III. Berzins previously served as the Ward III representative from 2009 to 2021. After stepping down from the city council, she ran unsuccessfully for Arapahoe County commissioner. Berzins is a business owner and a mother. She continues to serve on multiple community boards and commissions, according to her website.

She said that, if elected, she plans to act as a “unifier and to serve everyone in Aurora,” according to her website. 

Her campaign website said she plans to focus on public safety, jobs, the economy and community support. 

“As your City Councilmember, Marsha will continue actively participating in her local community and meet people where they are,” her campaign website said.

Ward III is essentially encompassed by East Sixth Avenue and East  Mississippi Avenue, as well as South Airport Boulevard and East Alameda Parkway.