Lisa Calderón for Denver Mayor Campaign Launch
February 10, 2026
Broad Coalition of Labor, Education, Housing, and Community Leaders to Speak at Lisa Calderón for Denver Mayor Campaign Launch
DENVER, CO — Dr. Lisa Calderón, front runner candidate challenging Mike Johnston for Denver Mayor, will highlight her 2027 mayoral campaign launch with a public celebration Wednesday, February 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Su Teatro, featuring a powerful slate of speakers representing labor, education, housing justice, small business, and civil service accountability.
The speakers underscore the breadth and depth of support behind Dr. Calderón’s people-powered campaign—uniting working families, city employees, small business owners, and community leaders across Denver.
Featured Speakers Include:
• Xochitl Gaytan, President of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education and longtime Latina community leader, reflecting Dr. Calderón’s commitment to public education, equity, and inclusive governance.
• Veronica Barela, widely known as the Godmother of Cinco de Mayo, a nationally respected Chicana leader and housing advocate whose decades of work preserving culture, community, and housing stability symbolize the deep roots of Denver’s Latino community.
• Millete Birhanemaskel, owner of Whittier Café and Dr. Calderón’s campaign treasurer, representing Denver’s small business community and the role of immigrant entrepreneurs in building community wealth and cultural space.
• Ronnie Houston, a 50-year Teamster, joined by members of the Teamsters National Black Caucus, highlighting Dr. Calderón’s strong alignment with organized labor, worker power, and racial justice within the labor movement.
• Niecy Murray, whistleblower and former Executive Director of Denver’s Civil Service Commission, whose advocacy for integrity and accountability in city government reflects Dr. Calderón’s commitment to protecting public workers and upholding constitutional rights.
• Jessica Calderon, a 21-year City of Denver employee, representing the thousands of dedicated public servants who kept the city running through crisis and who are seeking leadership that respects workers, restores fairness, and honors seniority and service.
• Wynn Howell, State Director of the Colorado Working Families Party, signaling the importance of supporting grassroots candidates for executive positions focused on progressive values including economic justice, housing affordability, and a government that works for working people.
A Campaign Built on Community, Labor, and Accountability
“These leaders represent the people who make Denver run—educators, workers, small business owners, public servants, and community advocates,” said Dr. Lisa Calderón. “Their support reflects a shared belief that Denver deserves leadership rooted in dignity, accountability, and care—and a city that works for everyone, not just the well-connected.”
Calderón’s We Love Denver campaign centers housing as a human right, safety through prevention and care, respect for workers, affordability for families, and a people-first approach to economic development.
Event Details
What: We Love Denver Campaign KickoffWhen: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 5:30 p.m.Where: Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, DenverRSVP: Free Eventbrite tickets
About Dr. Lisa Calderón
Dr. Lisa Calderón is a longtime community advocate, policy leader, and former mayoral candidate who narrowly missed the 2023 runoff by less than 2%. Dr. Calderón is committed to building a Denver that works for working families, laborers, and small businesses. Her campaign is powered by grassroots supporters across the city.
yourself you’re becoming.