Hon. Federico Peña – Former Mayor of Denver

“Denver is at a clear inflection point: homes are unaffordable, businesses and visitors are slowly moving away from downtown, and people don’t feel safe. We must elect bold leaders with creative ideas to meet these challenges. Darrell has a unique blend of private sector experience and collaborative leadership. He has specific solutions to increase affordable housing, improve safety, and increase quality parks and green spaces. I am pleased to endorse Darrell Watson for City Council District 9. Please vote for Darrell Watson on June 6, 2023.”

Hon. Roy Romer – Former Governor of Colorado

“As governor of Colorado, I worked closely with municipal leaders to ensure that decisions we made at the state level contributed to city initiatives as well. Having collaborative, constructive leaders on Denver City Council is essential for making things work for citizens at a state and local level. This is why I am endorsing Darrell Watson as the next council member representing District 9. We need a leader who will work alongside constituents as well as organizations that are helping to improve our city. As a Denver resident, I know that Darrell will listen to the community and will work successfully with the next administration, his fellow council members, and regional leaders. Join me in voting by April 4, 2023 for Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9.”

Hon. Elbra Wedgeworth – Former President, Denver City Council

“Darrell tackles the toughest issues with dedication, creativity, humility and with a focus on collaboration. As the former President of the Whittier Neighborhood Organization, he proposed developing the Bias Policing Task Force which I supported. His passion and focus on solving the toughest issues in collaboration with the community will serve District 9 and the Denver City Council very well.”

Hon. Albus Brooks – Former Councilmember, Denver City Council District 9

“I wholeheartedly endorse Darrell Watson to Denver City Council. We are in a fight for the soul of our City and we need servant leaders like Darrell who will work with all residents to find solutions. Darrell is a unifier and we need to elect him now for the ‘fine’ District 9.”

Hon. Terrance Carroll – Former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives

“As the first black Speaker of the House of Representatives, a District 7 state representative, and a proud resident of Park Hill, I am excited to endorse Darrell Watson to be your next council member representing Denver City Council District 9. Northeast Denver has historically elected leaders who are not afraid to tackle Denver’s biggest challenges head-on. Darrell is that leader. He has the heart, the expertise, and the social capital with community members, other municipal leaders, and state leaders to tackle the big issues impacting our community. Please join me in voting for Darrell Watson on June 6, 2023.”

Hon. Deborah Ortega – Councilmember, Denver City Council At-Large

“The overarching lesson I’ve learned over these many years of service in community is that people don’t care what you know unless they know that you care about them and their families. I know that Darrell Watson cares. I appointed him to serve as my Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member because I knew that he will always put community first. He not only cares, he genuinely listens, accepts feedback and then executes skillfully on whatever initiative, board or project he is leading. As I step down from my last term on council, I am optimistic about the future of our city. I know that Darrell Watson as the next Denver City Councilmember representing District 9 will serve with humility, with honor and with each of our families in mind. Please vote for Darrell Watson on June 06, 2023.”

Hon. Chris Herndon – Denver City Councilmember District 8

“I have known Darrell for 12 years. He has consistently demonstrated the curiosity to listen to different perspectives and the enthusiasm to work collaboratively with community to solve big issues. District 9 deserves a champion that will put their families first. I know that Darrell is that candidate. This is why I am endorsing him to be the next Denver City Councilmember representing District 9.”

Hon. Joyce Foster – Former Denver City Council President

“As a former President of Denver City Council and Colorado State Senator, I understand the necessity for transparency, accountability and strong leadership from our elected leaders. Darrell Watson is the candidate we can trust to bring those values to city council. He has exactly what it takes to lead Denver and the residents of District 9 forward, and he will work tirelessly to make life better for those in our city. The ability to work with other council members and the Mayor’s office constructively on behalf of your constituents is one of the most essential opportunities for this role. Darrell Watson can and will do just that. I am proud to endorse him for Denver City Council District 9.”

Hon. Mary Beth Susman – Former President, Denver City Council

“I’ve known Darrell Watson since he was the first person to reach out to me when I was a new City Councilwoman to talk about affordable housing. He has been a passionate champion for sustainable housing and shows it by his tireless volunteerism as then president of the Whittier neighborhood association in Council District 9 and now Chairman of the Housing Stability Strategic Advisors among many other of his community roles. Darrell Watson is an exceptional leader in our city, with expertise and wide experience in city and community building.”

Hon. Ramona E Martinez – Former President, Denver City Council

“As a former member of the Denver City Council, I have decided to endorse Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District #9. As a lifelong resident of Denver, I feel Darrell understands the value of all residents in the district regardless of what neighborhood they reside in. Darrell has the skill and the intellect to lead as the tough issues continue to be dealt with. He will serve in a positive and professional manner. And will know how to handle the needs and the demand of services that must be kept up with the growth in this district. Darrell will bring back the spirit of collaboration and will work to get things done for District 9 and the city as a whole.”

Hon. Carol Boigon – Former Denver City Councilwoman At-large

“I was a two-term Denver City Councilwoman, opened and led Mayor Webb’s Office for Education and Children and Denver Head Start, served as senior writer to Gov. Roy Romer. In all those years, I saw true leaders bring people together to solve big problems.

That is why I am supporting Darrell Watson for Council District 9. He is smart and thoughtful. He listens. He cares. We need thoughtful, collaborative leadership representing District 9 on City Council. He and I do not agree on every issue, but I trust his values, his hard work, his drive for results, his openness to opposing points of view. I know from his many decades of leadership in Denver that he will bring together members of City Council and our community to move Denver forward.

Darrell Watson is the leader that Denver Council District 9 needs now.”

Hon. Charlie Brown – Former Denver City Councilmember, District 6

“Having served as a Denver city council member for 14 years I have a good understanding of the special skills and temperament needed to be a successful municipal leader. It is a difficult and demanding job. Successful council members must earn the respect of their colleagues and build consensus among them to get things done. The current council member has not done this.

Darrell Watson is not a show horse but a work horse. He is level-headed and will bring a civil breath of fresh air to Denver city council. His reasonable and rational voice will be welcomed and appreciated by the new mayor, his colleagues and a majority of council district 9 residents. I strongly believe you will be pleased and proud to have Darrell represent you on the Denver city council. Thank you.”

Chris Hansen – Colorado State Senator

“Darrell’s empathy and genuine curiosity are the traits that separate him from most other leaders I know. I have always been impressed with his preparation and hard work as he tackles tough issues. I am endorsing Darrell to be the next City Council member representing District 9 not because of all that he knows but because I know that he cares. He cares deeply for the people within his district and across this city. We need a council member who will lead with heart and with humility. That leader is Darrell Watson and I am proud to support him in this race.”

Hon. Polly Baca – Former Member Colorado State Senate

“As a multi-generational Coloradan, service has been a principle that has guided my family in working on behalf of this great state and my beloved Denver. Being the first woman-of-color to serve in the leadership of the Colorado State Senate taught me two important lessons: never take for granted the opportunity to lead on difficult issues, and always seek a variety of perspectives to ensure that your solutions reflect the needs of your community. Darrell has never shied away from making tough decisions, and he diligently engages people in dialogue about solutions. Because he consistently demonstrates humility, curiosity, and a genuine interest in bringing others along with him, I am endorsing Darrell Watson to be the next city council member representing District 9.”

Hon. Tony Exum – Colorado State Senator, SD 11

“As a former Battalion Chief with the Colorado Springs Fire Department, former HD 17 State Representative and current SD 11 State Senator, I have had the honor of serving my community for over 37 years. I know that the big issues housing, public safety, and the environment impacting Denver require regional solutions. They require a collaborative leader with a servant heart that will listen intently to the voices of the underserved and marginalized. The servant leader Denver District 9 needs is Darrell Watson. I am honored to endorse him and I encourage everyone in Denver City Council District 9 to vote for Darrell Watson on June 6th.”

Hon. Mark Ferrandino – Former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives

“I have known Darrell for 20+ years. He is a constructive, collaborative leader, whether standing up for the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities as the chair of Colorado Stonewall Democrats or developing housing policy as the Chair of the Denver Housing Stability Strategic Advisory Board. Darrell excels in bringing communities together to tackle the tough issues facing our city. That is why I am endorsing him to be the next Denver City Councilmember representing District 9.”

Hon. Michael Carrigan – Former CU Regent

“I am proud to endorse Darrell Watson to be the next Denver City Councilmember representing District 9. Darrell brings the leadership, experience, and determination necessary to address the issues facing our city. He has demonstrated the skills to work collaboratively with the community, Denver Police and safety net organizations to elevate public safety issues and deliver common sense solutions.”

Hon. Chris Romer – Former Colorado State Senator

“When we founded Project Canary, we understood the importance of public/private partnerships in reducing harmful emissions that are damaging our air, water, land and community. To accomplish the state’s goals of 100% renewable energy by 2040, we must elect commonsense Denver City Council members who will work collaboratively for regional solutions. Darrell Watson is one of those leaders. His 20 years of park conservation leadership, as well as his support of the Greener Denver Platform, has earned my endorsement to be our next District 9 City Council member.”

Hon. Alex Valdez – Colorado State Representative – House District 5

“Darrell has consistently demonstrated an ability to work constructively and collaboratively with community leaders, city council members, and with departments throughout the city. He has the ideal skill set and professional acumen to advance solutions to the biggest issues facing our city. I am honored to endorse Darrell Watson.”

Kwon Atlas – Non-Profit Director, Community Leader, Founder – Five Points Atlas

“Darrell is a humble man who could wear anyone down with consistent kindness. He values relationships and getting things done. He is honest and I think he is a good person. I’ve been in politics for a while now and that’s the most important thing to me these days. There are a lot of great people who are elected and few that are good and decent. I’m endorsing Darrell because he will provide leadership that will move us toward progress on big issues impacting our community and not continue the divisive politics of the last 4 years. Please vote for Darrell Watson on June 6.”

Rudy Gonzales – Community Leader

“Since our founding in 1972, Servicios de La Raza has understood that dismantling institutional biased systems must embody a ‘for the people and by the people’ ethos. Our mission to increase health for underserved and marginalized communities is rooted in service and a belief that everyone deserves to live healthy lives. I am endorsing Darrell Watson to be the Denver District 9 City Council member because he recognizes that the health of our people and our communities is fundamental to reaching an equitable future. Join me in voting for Darrell Watson on June 6th.”

Susan Powers – President, Urban Ventures, LLC

“Darrell is a compassionate person whose history in the neighborhood, combined with his business background will serve District 9 well. His past and current involvement with City policy regarding affordable housing will allow him to participate immediately in those topics at the City Council level. I have found him to be open minded to new ideas and to be willing to do the work. I can’t think of a better representative than Darrell to lead District 9 on the City Council.”

Ryan D. Cobbins – Entrepreneur, Coffee at the Point

“I stand with Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9, not because I’m against someone else.  I’m for Darrell Watson because he stands for community, integrity, love for all people, and passion for making a positive impact in the community in that I live.  I support Darrell Watson because he has supported me and Coffee at The Point long before running for office.  I will fight for Darrell Watson because of what his positive leadership and strategic thinking will mean to my neighborhood.”

Kevin Marchman – Founder of National Organization of African Americans in Housing (NOAAH)

“As an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton Administration, I understand the dire need for common sense housing policy to confront the affordable housing crisis facing underrepresented communities, especially the Black community in Denver. I am endorsing Darrell Watson because he has demonstrated the skill and the will to collaborate with the community and elected officials for regional solutions to our housing affordability crisis. I encourage everyone to vote for Darrell Watson on June 6th.”

Rita Lewis – Community Leader & Former 2023 City Council District 8 Candidate

“Darrell is the best person to serve District 9 because he always shows up and gives definitive answers and solutions to District 9 issues. It is time for a new face to represent District 9.”

Michael Sapp – Community Leader

“I endorse Darrell Watson to be the next City Councilmember to represent District 9 because I know that he has the humility to seek out and listen to all members of the community whether you agree with him or not. Once elected he will collaborate constructively with the other council members to ensure that the voices and solutions developed by neighbors throughout D9 are adopted.

Helen Bradshaw, Community Leader

“I met Darrell Watson on the campaign trail. Through his work with various organizations, Darrell has demonstrated the care and passion needed to represent District 9 and the issues the residents care about. That is why I endorse Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9.”

Morris Price – VP Grants & Impact, The Colorado Trust, Past Board Chair GLBT Center of CO & Past Chair Denver GLBT Commission

“I have known Darrell Watson for almost 30 years. As the Chair of Colorado Stonewall Democrats, he collaborated on post-Amendment 2 strategies with legislators and Equality Lobby (now One Colorado) to bring forward laws that protect the LGBTQIA+ communities. As the vice chair of the NorthEast Denver Innovation Zone, he collaborated with education leaders, school administrators, students, and parents to promote innovation and excellence to bolster student achievement. Darrell consistently demonstrates curiosity, competency, and commitment in working with the community to solve the toughest issues facing our city. I fully support Darrell to become our next Denver City Councilperson in District 9.”

Marsha Brown, Community Leader

“I endorse Darrell Watson’s campaign for City Council District 9 because he is the leader that will represent the community voice. We shared an appointed role on the advisory board to the newly formed housing agency HOST. Darrell is about representing the people and transparency. Darrell has earned my endorsement because he cares about the community, and he will work to resolve critical issues.”

Erik Clarke, Community & Business Leader

“Darrell Watson is my choice as our next Denver City Councilperson in District 9. I spent my career advising governments and businesses on finance and management topics, so I deeply understand the value of Darrell’s 30-year career in finance. He has the professional background to make sound budget and policy decisions. I also believe that his collaborative approach to legislating will move the needle forward on the biggest challenges facing our city. Vote for Darrell Watson for Denver Council in District 9 for a better road forward.”

Jeff Shoemaker – Former President of Greenway Foundation

“I have had the honor of knowing Darrell Watson for close to two decades, going to back to when Darrell served on the Denver Parks and Rec. Department’s Advisory Board, later serving as its Chair. Throughout this time period, time and again Darrell has brought his passion, acumen and wisdom onto ‘the playing field’ in support of numerous matters of public policy, including his commitment to our city’s rivers, creeks and streams. I know of the latter based on serving as the Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation from 1982-2022. District 9 needs Darrell Watson. Denver needs Darrell Watson. Join me in supporting Darrell’s campaign to serve on Denver City Council!”

Sarah Woodson – Executive Director The Color of Cannabis

“The Color of Cannabis is honored to endorse Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9. Darrell is a small business owner and will be a champion for our small businesses. He understands the positive impact that Denver’s social equity program with municipal leadership can have on communities that have been disproportionately harmed by the ‘War on Drugs.’ He won’t simply talk about solidarity: he will deliver it.”

Denver Fire Fighters – IAFF Local 858

“Darrell Watson has already been working tirelessly to ensure that Denver is on the path to be an excellent city both for its citizens and businesses that choose to make Denver home. He is walking the walk in his efforts as Co-Chair of the Housing Stability Strategic Advisors (HOST), Co-Chair of the Denver Game Plan for a Healthy City and the Co-Chair of the Denver Biased Policing Task Force. Please join your Fire Fighters of Denver and support Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9.”

Pipefitters Local 208

“Denver Pipefitters Local 208 and our members are excited to endorse Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9. Darrell was raised in a working class family, and he will work tirelessly to ensure that the people who are building our city will also be able to live in our city. Working families need a champion in city council who will listen to their needs and act on their behalf. Darrell is that champion. Denver Pipefitters Local 208 are proud to stand with Darrell during this municipal election cycle because we know that he will stand with working families as an elected official representing everyone in Denver City Council District 9.” — Gary Arnold, Business Manager

Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Associations

“Darrell is a leader in the community. He understands the importance of the construction trade and values apprenticeship programs, like the ones Rocky Mountain MCA is affiliated with in Denver. He will be a champion for working families as the next city council member from District 9, and his work trying to navigate homelessness in Denver comes at a pivot and important time for our City. That is why we at the Rocky Mountain Contractors Associations are proud to support his campaign for Denver City Council District 9.”

Plumbers Local Union 3

“Darrell has spent the past 20 years working in his community to make Denver a safer, healthier and more affordable city. He is a champion for workers rights and will fight to ensure working families have the resources they need to not just survive, but thrive. Plumbers Local 3 is proud to endorse Darrell Watson for City Council District 9 and look forward to partnering with him to tackle Denver’s biggest challenges.” – Sean Wyatt, Business Manager

YIMBY Denver

“YIMBY Denver is proud to endorse Darrell Watson because he has shown us that he recognizes the driving force behind Colorado’s housing crisis, and shares our passion for abundant housing in Denver. If elected to the Denver City Council, we are confident he will work to advance policies that will make it easier to produce new homes for Denverites of all income levels, and make Denver a city that is welcoming to everyone.”

LiUNA Laborers’ Local 720

“LiUNA Laborers’ Local 720 are excited to endorse Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9. Darrell has fought for working families in his many leadership roles throughout the city. We know that he will continue to do that as the next City Councilmember representing City Council District 9.”

Denver Metro Association of Realtors Board of Directors

“As the largest local Realtor Association in Colorado with over 8,500 members, DMAR is proud to endorse Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9. Darrell has the skills, talent, and commitment we need to ensure all Denver residents have a safe and affordable place to live.”

Metro Housing Coalition Board of Directors

“Darrell Watson supports our shared commitment to increase housing supply in Denver. He will work diligently to streamline the building process to help lower the cost of living for Denver residents. The Metro Housing Coalition is honored to endorse Darrell for Denver City Council District 9.”

Marijuana Industry Group

“The Marijuana Industry Group is committed to candidates that will support Colorado small business owners, promote public safety, and increase diversity in the industry. Because it is critical to elect leaders who can guide and champion Denver’s fragile homegrown cannabis industry, we endorse Darrell Watson for Denver City Council District 9.”

Progressive Democrats of America

“In such a time of challenge and promise for Denver, we at PDA Denver offer an enthusiastic endorsement of Darrell Watson in his June 2023 runoff bid to be our Denver District 9 council member. Darrell will challenge and find ways to work shoulder-to shoulder with fellow city leaders to move towards a more just, caring and economically successful Denver. This endorsement is made under Progressive Vote-Colorado, the registered political committee for the Denver Chapter of PDA.”

Colorado Restaurant Association, Mile High Chapter

“As a small-business owner, Darrell Watson understands the privilege and pressure of making payroll. He understands the power of serving others. The Colorado Restaurant Association Mile High Chapter has not endorsed candidates running for Denver City Council over the past 53 years, but today, we are honored to endorse Darrell Watson to be the next council member leading Denver City Council District 9. We believe that he will listen to the voices of small businesses throughout the city. He will fight to ensure that our families can work and live in Denver. He is the leader that Denver needs right now. Join us in voting for Darrell Watson on June 6.”

Colorado Black Women for Political Action

“CBWPA is pleased to endorse Darrell Watson as the next City Council member representing Denver City Council District 9. As a small, black business owner, Darrell will lead streamlining the Division of Small Business Opportunity certification process for minority, women owned and other disadvantaged small businesses. He is committed to workforce development and increasing access to capital for black owned businesses. Darrell will listen to small business owners and execute on our ideas with a focus on equity. Please join us in voting for Darrell Watson on June 6.”