AURORA | As Aurora’s 2025 municipal election wraps up, major endorsements have been rolling in for candidates across the city’s at-large and ward races.

Clear partisan divides, as well as some cross-party alliances, can be seen in endorsements for those last-minute voters. From labor unions and environmental groups to law enforcement associations and local faith leaders, this year’s endorsements paint a vivid picture of the political coalitions shaping Aurora’s next city council.

Some flaunted more than others. 

At-large contenders Rob Andrews, Alli Jackson, Danielle Jurinsky and Amsalu Kassaw each boast backing from a range of local, state and national figures, with some endorsements crossing traditional political lines. 

In the ward races, Amy Wiles, Steve Sundberg, Marsha Berzins, Ruben Medina, Reid Hettich, Stephen Elkins and Gianina Horton have also attracted support from elected officials, community leaders and key advocacy groups across the region.

Here are the highlights.

At-Large

Rob Andrews

Andrews, a Democrat, is the founder of the One Voice Coalition, a local start-up that works with underserved communities. He is also a husband and a father.

Endorsements Andrews received came from leaders, including Aurora City Council members Ruben Medina and Crystal Murillo, Arapahoe County Commissioner Rhonda Fields, State Rep. Michael Carter, State Sen. Mike Weissman, Bill Holen, former Arapahoe County Commissioner, State Rep. Jennifer Bacon, Senate President James Coleman and Pastor Thomas Mayes.

“Rob is exactly the kind of leader Auriora needs,” Rep. Jason Crow said in a statement. “He’s spent his career helping people access jobs, housing and opportunity, and he understands that public service is about putting people first. I’m proud to endorse Rob for Aurora City Council At-Large.”

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Teamsters Local 455, Denver Area Labor Federation (DALF), Conservation Colorado, Metro Housing Coalition and Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate. 

Alli Jackson

Jackson, a Democrat running for an at-large seat, is a social worker by trade and works in Arapahoe County libraries’ culture and inclusion department. She is a foster and biological mother, wife, and daughter of an immigrant. 

“After I heard Alli speak, I realized she was running to support the people,” said Colorado Rep. Jamie Jackson, in a statement. “She has a vision and a purpose to serve the city of Aurora.”

Jackson’s endorsements included Rep. Jason Crow, State Sen. Mike Weissman, State Rep. Eliza Hammrick, city council members Alison Coombs and Crystal Murillo, NAACP Aurora Chapter President Omar Montgomery, and the Aurora Education Association, Bryan Lindstrom, former running council candidate Aaron Futrell and community leader Maisha Fields.

“I’m supporting Alli Jackson because Aurora deserves better than it’s getting from our current council,” Weissman said in a statement. “We need less drama and more results; less division and more listening to residents of our city.  As a social worker, Alli knows that people face adversity sometimes and how to help people overcome it – that’s what our city needs to be focusing on.”

She also received endorsements from companies and nonprofits such as Run for Something, New Era Colorado, Working Families Party, Colorado People’s Action, Planned Parenthood Votes Colorado, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, and the Denver Area Labor Federation, as well as the Colorado Blue Flower Fund. 

“I support Alli because she has a heart for serving the people of Aurora,” Coombs said in a statement. “She’s lived here all of her life and is running to ensure the promise of our city belongs to every single person who calls Aurora home.”

Danielle Jurinsky

Jurinsky, a Republican, is an at-large incumbent running for a second term. She also owns and operates JJ’s Place bar and restaurant, and is an Air Force veteran and a single mother. 

Jurinsky’s endorsements included Mayor Michael Coffman, Councilmembers Stephanie Hancock, Steve Sundberg, Angela Lawson, Françoise Bergan, Amsalu Kassaw, and previous Councilmember Dustin Zvonek. She also received endorsements from members of the community, including George Brauchler, the 23rd Judicial District; Dre Lane, a musician; Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly; John Kellner, the former District Attorney for the 18th; Rose Pugliese, the Colorado State House Minority Leader and Colorado Rep. Chris Richardson. 

She received an endorsement from her friend, community leader Maisha Fields, who said she wanted a fighter because Northwest Aurora needs to be rebuilt. Fields said she believes the police need reform. She is not a Republican, but she can be friends with whomever she wants, and she supports Jurinsky as a leader. Northeast Aurora needs a grocery store, and Fields said she believes Jurnisky is the one who will make that happen. 

“Because of Danielle’s commitment to public safety, she has consistently prioritized law enforcement support, community policing and crime prevention programs, ensuring that the community remains safe and secure,” said Jason Prseley, president of the Arapahoe County Fraternity Police Lodge 31.

Other endorsements from organizations included the Aurora FOP Lodge 49, David Exstrom, president of the Aurora Police Association, and Cecil Courtney with the Denver Pipefitters Local #208.

Amsalu Kassaw

Kassaw, a Republican running for an at-large seat, is an incumbent after being appointed to a vacant council seat. He is a naturalized citizen from Ethiopia, a longtime Aurora resident and a lieutenant at the GEO Group’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Aurora. 

His endorsements came from city leaders, including Nebiyu Asfaw, the founder of Taste of Ethiopia, and Council Members Stephanie Hancock, Danielle Jurinsky, Steve Sundberg and Mayor Mike Coffman.

Kassaw also received endorsements from organizations, including the South Metro Denver Realtor Association, the Industrial Property Owners Consortium and the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. 

WARD I

Stephen Elkins 

Elkins is an unaffiliated voter running for Ward I. He is also a city planner and development manager, previously worked for the City of Denver and now works for a private company. 

His endorsements included city leaders Mayor Mike Coffman, council members Danielle Jurinsky, Steve Sundberg, Amsalu Kassaw, Stephanie Hancock, Curtis Gardner, and running candidate Marsha Berzins.

Elkins was also endorsed by organizations including the Aurora Fraternity Order of Police, the Aurora Police Association, the South Metro Realtor Association, and the Home Builders Association of Metro.

Ried Hettich

Hettich, an unaffiliated voter, is a local pastor, husband and community leader in Aurora.

“As a truly unaffiliated candidate, I am pleased to have the endorsements of people and organizations that represent all segments of our community,” Hettich said in a statement.  

He was endorsed by Rhonda Fields, Arapahoe County Commissioner, Former Aurora Mayor Bob LeGare, Debbie Stafford, former Colorado State Senator, Kevin Hougen, former President and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Johnny Watson, former member of Aurora City Council, Molly Markert, former member of Aurora City Council, Jeanette Rodrigez, chair of Consent Decree Community Advisory Council and community leader Maisha Fields.

“[Reid] was really my first leader in Colorado. I learned many great things from him,” said Moses Thang Hung, voter in Ward I and Myanmar community leader, in a statement. “Spiritual things, and about humanity, about the community….I will be supporting him fully for City Council leadership.”

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Hettich was also endorsed by the Colorado Home Builders Association and the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance.

“Reid isn’t a government guy, but he’s a guy who understands that government is a part of our lives, and I think he will bring us balance,’ said Debbie Stafford, former state representative, in a statement. “I think he’ll bring us wisdom, and I am clearly here to say I support Reid Hettich.”

Gianina Horton

Horton is a fifth-generation Coloradan and advocate for criminal justice reform. She is the state’s coordinator for reducing racial and ethnic disparities. She worked as co-executive director for the Denver Justice Project and a project manager for the Denver Office of the Independent Monitor. 

Horton’s endorsements include multiple Ward I residents and community leaders, such as Aaron Futrell, Jason McBride, Rep. Jason Crow, city council members Alison Coombs and Crystal Murillo, and Denver city council members Serena Gonzolas-Gutierrez and Sarah Parody.

“Aurora needs leadership that prioritizes our young people,” Jason McBride, community leader, said in a statement. “I have seen how her heart shows up for the community. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for independent oversight of the Aurora Police Department, increased funding for mental health services and fostering community engagement to address youth violence is exactly what our city needs.”

Horton received endorsements from organizations, including Run for Something 2025, Progressive Democrats of America Denver chapter,  Denver Area Labor Federation, Warrior PAC, Denver Area Labor Federation, New Era Colorado Action Fund, New American Leaders Action Fund, Colorado People’s Action, Working Families Party, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, Conservation Colorado, Colorado Wins Local 1876 and Planned Parenthood. 

“She’s not running for a seat. She’s running to disrupt the status quo, to bring the voices of people back into the room and to put justice back on the agenda,” the Warrior PAC said. “Gianina is a warrior for truth, for community and for change.” 

WARD II

Steve Sundberg

Sundberg, a Republican, is the Ward II incumbent running for his second term. He owns and operates Legends of Aurora Sports Grill and is a father and husband.

“We recognize the importance of experienced leadership that prioritizes public safety, supports law enforcement professionals, and continuously works towards building a stronger, safer community for all,” said David Exstrom, president of the Aurora Police Association, in a statement. “Councilman Sundberg has been unwavering in working to promote both safety and accountability, while understanding the balance required to maintain trust between the police department and the community it serves.”

Sundberg also received endorsements from council members Curtis Gardner, Stephanie Hancock, Angela Lawson, Françoise Bergan, Danielle Jurinsky, and community activist Maisha Fields.

“Having worked alongside Steve Sundberg on council now for over three years, I know full well that he is the right person to represent Ward II,” Jurinsky said in a statement. “His dedication and passion are shown throughout his work. He is thoughtful in his decision-making and really takes the time to be out in the community and with the people of Aurora.” 

Sundberg also received endorsements from organizations, including the Industrial Property Owners Consortium, Pipefitters Local 208 and Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. 

“He values skilled labor, supports strong apprenticeship programs, and understands the vital role we play in building infrastructure and supporting a broad energy portfolio, including clean, abundant natural gas,” said Cecil Courtney, business manager, Pipefitters Local 208, in a statement. 

Amy Wiles

Wiles, a Democrat, works in healthcare strategy in Aurora. She is a small-business owner of a photography company, a single mother, and a grandmother. 

Wiles said the endorsements she received represent a wide range of community members, from elected officials, including Congressman Jason Crow and City Councilperson Alison Coombs, to labor unions, conservation groups and women’s rights groups. 

“Amy Wiles is ready to lead,” Crow said in a statement. “I’m proud to endorse her for Aurora City Council because she will be a strong partner with Buckley Space Force Base and the Ward II community, expanding opportunity, supporting smart development and building a vibrant Aurora for everyone.”

Wiles also received endorsements from leaders such as Colorado Rep. Michael Carter, Bill Holen, former Arapahoe County Commissioner, Colorado Rep. Jamie Jackson, City Councilmember Ruben Medina and Colorado Sen. Mike Weissman. 

“Amy is dedicated to Aurora,” Coombs said in a statement. “She volunteered countless hours to make our community better long before she was called to run for city council. She has worked tirelessly to make sure nobody in Aurora is left out. Amy will continue to lead and make a positive difference in our city.”

She also received endorsements including the NAACP president Omar Montgomery, the Denver Area Labor Federation, Moms Demand Action, Democratic Municipal Officials, the New Era Colorado Action Fund, Colorado Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood Colorado, Conservation Colorado, Teamsters Local 455, Colorado Blue Flower Fund, the Sierra Club and environmental organization that has been active in protesting fracking in Aurora, Colorado Immigrant Right Coalition (CIRC) Action Fund, Community Workers of America and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

“I believe this demonstrates a resolute dedication to representing the entirety of Aurora with a focus that always puts the community first,” Wiles said in a statement. 

WARD III

Marsha Berzins

Berzins previously served as the Ward III representative from 2009 to 2021. She owns Golden Rule Electric and Birch Electric Co., and she is also a mother of five and a wife to a naturalized citizen immigrant.

“I feel that endorsements from non-partisan groups that endorsed me mean the most,” Berzins said in a statement. “When both sides believe I’m the best candidate for Ward III, that says the most to me. Any candidate can ask their friends and fellow party members for an endorsement. That’s why I appreciate being endorsed by these diverse groups below. They have seen my leadership, dedication and accomplishments, not empty promises.” 

Berzins’ endorsements include Pipefitters, Local 208. Berzins said her husband is a union electrician from IBEW, Local 68. They also include the South Metro Realtors Association, the Aurora Police Association, the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, and the Fraternal Order of Police. 

Ruben Medina

Medina, a Democrat, is the incumbent in Ward III and is running for his second term. 

He is a project manager at the Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities, a community organizer, a husband, a father of three and a former firefighter/EMT.

His endorsements include Sen. John Hickenlooper, Rep. Jason Crow and former Mayor Bob LeGare.

Medina also received endorsements from One Main Street, a Democratic-based nonprofit organization, Democratic Municipal Officials, Teamsters Local 455, a diverse labor union, Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA), Sierra Club, Conservation Colorado, CIRC Action, Planned Parenthood, and New Era Colorado Action Fund.