Incumbent mayor Michael Hancock was term-limited and could not seek a fourth term in office.

A historic field of seventeen candidates filed to run in the race to succeed Hancock.

[4] Since no candidate won a majority in the first round, former state senator Mike Johnston and former Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Kelly Brough advanced to a runoff.

[7] Although Brough and Johnston shared similar ideological positions, Johnston was supported by leading progressive figures in the runoff, including Calderón and Herod, while Brough was supported by more conservative groups, including the local police union and the Denver Republican Party.

[8][9] Johnston won the runoff by a comfortable margin, with Brough conceding the race on the night of the election.