File Photo by Philip B. Poston/Sentinel Colorado
AURORA | Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor Phil Weiser and Congressman Jason Crow endorsed Omar Montgomery’s campaign to be Aurora’s next mayor.
Montgomery announced his campaign for the 2027 election on Oct. 11, telling the Sentinel that he’s running because he wants to unify the city and make Aurora a destination for shopping, eating and entertainment.
In a Thursday press release, Montgomery touted the endorsement of Weiser and Crow, two powerful Democratic allies.
“Omar understands that strong communities are built on accountability, opportunity, and justice for everyone,” Weiser said in the release. “Aurora is lucky to have a candidate who brings that vision and the experience to make it real.”
Crow said in the release that he’s proud to back Montgomery for Aurora mayor.
“Omar is exactly the kind of person we need leading our city — a servant leader who listens to our community, fights for working families and government accountability, and knows how to get things done,” Crow said.
Montgomery also shared a nine-point platform, which includes economic growth and good jobs; comprehensive public safety; housing affordability; targeted community investment; environment and smart growth; community health advocacy; honoring veterans and military families; celebrating diversity; and a transparent city hall.
“The best ideas for Aurora come directly from the people who live here,” Montgomery said. “Together, we can build a safe, affordable, and prosperous city that stands as a model for how a diverse community comes together.”
Montgomery filed his campaign commitment with the Aurora city clerk Friday, the first officially out of the gate for the 2027 city election. Offices on the ballot next year include mayor, two at-large seats and seats in council wards IV, V and VI.
Mayor Mike Coffman, serving his second term, has not filed his intentions and was not immediately available for comment. His 2023 campaign records report a $41,677.25 balance. Coffman has not commented on whether he intends to run for reelection.
Montgomery, regional NAACP president, national director and previous Aurora NAACP chapter executive director, lost by only 215 votes to current Coffman in a five-way race in 2019.
Montgomery is currently the director of equity, culture and community engagement for the Cherry Creek School District, where he leads districtwide efforts to build partnerships among schools, families and community organizations, according to the school district.
His career spans work as a teacher in public schools and, locally, in higher education. For the past several years, Montgomery has been deeply involved in the city’s work to extricate itself from police reform issues.