Kelly in the News

Out-of-State Billionaire Reid Hoffman Reaches $1.7 Million in Contributions to Mike Johnston’s PAC; Billionaire doubles down in trying to buy Denver for Mike Johnston

In case you missed it, Kelly Brough, former Mayor Wellington Webb, and other Brough supporters held a press conference in response to Reid Hoffman and Mike Bloomberg, two out-of-state billionaires, trying to buy the Denver mayoral election for Mike Johnston.   Now, California billionaire Reid Hoffman doubled down in the final weekend of the election by pouring more money in for Johnston reaching a total of $1,765,043.63 in contributions to Advancing Denver, the PAC supporting Johnston. Combined, Bloomberg and Hoffman have poured in over...

NEW AD: Kelly Brough Releases “Looks Different” In Campaign Homestretch

Today, Kelly Brough released a new ad in the final week of the Denver mayoral election distinguishing herself from her opponent Michael Johnston. The ad highlights the hefty donations from out-of-state billionaires Reid Hoffman and Michael Bloomberg to Michael Johnston’s IE Advancing Denver. Combined, the 2 men that don’t live in Colorado have given nearly 2 million dollars to try and buy the Denver mayoral election for Johnston. The ad then closes on Kelly’s life story and vision for Denver.   Colorado...

Brough: Despite Johnston’s insinuation, I will fight for Denver’s working families

By KELLY BROUGH | Guest Commentary PUBLISHED: May 26, 2023 at 10:58 a.m. | UPDATED: May 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. I’ve shared over 50 debate and forum stages with Michael Johnston in the last 5 months. We can probably repeat each other’s talking points, personal stories, and policies. I’ve been frustrated by an interaction that occurred following the most recent televised debate hosted by Denver 7, the Denver Post, and CPR. A few things happened at that debate – I had to correct the record when...

ENDORSEMENTS: Slate of Democratic Leaders Endorse Kelly Brough for Mayor

With just under two weeks left until Election Day, a slate of Democratic leaders have endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor. Howard Chou, former 1st Vice Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, Patricia Shaver, former 2nd Vice Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, Marc Kamin, former Chair of the Denver Democratic Party, and Democratic Party activist Susan Rodgers endorse Kelly citing her ability to lead while understanding Democratic values.   “I believe Kelly will lead Denver to a...

Former Director of Colorado’s COVID-19 Innovation Response Sarah Tuneberg Sets the Record Straight

The former director of Colorado’s COVID-19 Innovation Response Sarah Tuneberg, who recently spoke out against Mike Johnston for taking credit for something her team should be taking credit for, spoke out once again to set the record straight.   Tuneberg states, “this is about Mike Johnston’s lies and exaggerations. It is about his lack of ethics and what that means in a role like Mayor. It’s about Mike taking credit for my work and that of my team– about him trying...

Denver Post: Runoff candidate leans on roles as top mayoral adviser and CEO at chamber of commerce

  By JON MURRAY | [email protected] and SAJA HINDI | [email protected] | The Denver Post PUBLISHED: May 19, 2023 at 10:52 a.m. | UPDATED: May 19, 2023 at 2:36 p.m. Kelly Brough has been here before — seeking a high-profile job while fighting perceptions that she’s out of step with the people she wants to lead. In 2009, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s board hired her as the organization’s president and CEO, the first woman to take on that role. Some members voiced suspicions that Brough, the top aide to then-Mayor John...

ENDORSEMENTS: Kelly Continues To Earn Support from Current and Former Elected Officials

Today, more current and former city elected officials announced that they are endorsing Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor. Denver City Councilman Kevin Flynn and former Denver City Councilman-at-Large Tim Sandos are supporting Kelly because they know she is the most qualified candidate in the race with executive experience to tackle Denver’s biggest challenges on day one.   “Denver voters want solid, experienced leadership to get this city back on its feet and moving again,” said Kevin Flynn, Denver City...

Over 100 Latina Community Leaders and Small Business Owners Back Kelly Brough for Mayor

Over 100 Latinas have signed up to join a coalition co-chaired by Community Leader Perla Gheiler, former RTD Director for District C Juanita Chacon, and former Policy Director of the ACLU of Colorado Denise Maes, to support Kelly Brough for Denver mayor. See the full list of names HERE.   “Kelly has time and time again taken on hard issues that affect our Latino/a communities, all of our communities and the people in them,” said Perla Gheiler, a Denver community leader. “While at...

ICYMI: Mike Johnston Misleads When Asked About the Truth in CBS Denver Debate

In case you missed it, former candidate for Governor and Senate and now candidate for Denver mayor, Mike Johnston, misled voters when he responded to a question about telling the truth on last night’s debate hosted by CBS Denver.   Johnston responded to the question by exaggerating COVIDCheck’s role in the state’s response to COVID testing and claimed that “when it was time for the state to try to figure out how to scale this kind of testing statewide, they...

Kelly Continues to Earn Support from Current and Former Elected Officials; Ballots on the way to Denver voters this week

Today, more state and city elected officials announced that they are endorsing Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor. Former Denver School Board Member and City Councilwoman Rosemary Rodriguez, former state Representative Rosemary Marshall, Denver City Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, and state Rep. Steven Woodrow support Kelly because they know she is the most qualified candidate in the race with executive experience who can tackle Denver’s biggest challenges on day one.   “For me as a voter, experience matters,” said former commissioner...

NEW AD: Kelly Brough Releases TV Ad Highlighting Executive Qualifications and Reminds Voters History Could Be Made

As Denver voters are receiving their ballots in the mail this week, Kelly Brough released the campaign’s first TV ad of the run-off election. The upbeat ad titled “Most Qualified” highlights her executive experience of working as then-Mayor Hickenlooper’s Chief of Staff and touts support from Denver Police, former Denver chiefs of police Aristedes “Ari” Zavaras and Gerry Whitman, former Governor Bill Ritter, and former Mayor Wellington and former State Rep. Wilma Webb.   Kelly also contrasts herself as the leader with executive...

Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance Endorses Kelly Brough for Mayor; Kelly picking up big endorsements right before ballots are mailed to Denver voters

Today, at Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus, the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance (GMDMA), an 82-year-old African American civil and human rights clergy organization committed to the fight for community and social justice, endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor. This coveted endorsement comes off the heels of endorsements from Denver Firefighters Local 858, Pipefitters Local 208, Plumbers Local 3, Hispanic Contractors of Colorado and over 100 LGBTQ leaders and business owners. See more endorsements here. Watch Here  ...

Over 100 LGBTQ Small Business Owners, Community Activists and Leaders Back Kelly Brough for Mayor

Over 100 LGBTQ Denverites have signed up to join a coalition chaired by former state Sen. Lucía Guzmán, former Executive Director of One Colorado Brad Clark, and LGBTQ bar owner Jody Bouffard to support Kelly Brough for Denver mayor. See the full list of names HERE.   “Kelly has been a longtime champion of LGBTQ equality,” said former state Sen. Lucía Guzmán.  “She’s the type of ally that shows up early – before an issue is popular or the fight is won.”  ...

Pipefitters, Plumbers, and Hispanic Contractors of Colorado Endorse Kelly Brough; Kelly picks up significant momentum just before Denver voters receive their ballots

Kelly Brough continues to earn endorsements with less than one week left until ballots are mailed to Denver voters. Denver Pipefitters Local 208, Denver Plumbers Local 3, and the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado endorsed Kelly, highlighting her executive experience, leadership, and passion to support and grow businesses. Pipefitters Local 208 and Plumbers Local 3 represent nearly 3,000 members combined, and the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado represents 210 member companies with inclusive membership from all backgrounds.   “Denver Pipefitters Local 208 is excited to endorse...

Mike Johnston’s IE Ad Intentionally Misleading Voters Johnston’s record on guns, not what he claims

Denver mayoral candidate Michael Johnston’s IE Advancing Denver, which is largely funded by out-of-state billionaires like Reid Hoffman and Steve Mandel, released a new TV ad that is misleading on Johnston’s gun record. The ad offers solutions already passed by the state legislature and empty political promises to solve the epidemic of gun violence. “When Michael Johnston had the opportunity to lead in the state legislature on gun safety, he didn’t. He never sponsored the magazine limit bill that he is now claiming...

Denver Firefighters Join Long List of Public Safety Groups Supporting Kelly Brough

Kelly earns support from broad public safety coalition one week before ballots are mailed to voters Today, Denver Firefighters Local 858 endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor alongside a broad coalition of public safety endorsers including former Governor and Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter, the Police Protective Association, former Denver chief of police Aristedes “Ari” Zavaras, and former Denver fire chief Larry Trujillo.     Watch Here   “We’re happy to announce that Denver Firefighters Local 858 will be supporting...

Kelly Brough Enters Final Month in Strong Standing With More Cash-on-Hand than Her Opponent

Kelly is running a homegrown campaign with 90% of donors from Colorado and nearly 70% from Denver With just about one month left until the Denver Mayoral run-off election, Kelly Brough is in strong standing by entering May with $416,271 cash on hand, which is $38,552 more than her opponent. “This is a campaign for Denver, and powered by Denver,” said Nico Delgado, spokesperson for the Brough campaign. “Kelly is running a homegrown campaign with 90% of donations coming from Coloradans and...

Colorado’s “Firsts” Says it’s Past Time to Elect a Woman as Mayor of Denver, that Woman is Kelly Brough

Today, many of Colorado’s most successful trailblazing women endorsed Kelly Brough for Denver mayor and hosted a panel conversation addressing how it’s time for Denver to break the glass ceiling by electing the city’s first woman mayor.   List of trailblazing endorsers include: Gail Schoettler, the first woman to serve as both Colorado’s State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor Joan Fitz-Gerald, the first woman to serve as Colorado State Senate President Lucía Guzmán, the first Latina and first openly lesbian woman to serve...

Fraternal Order of Police and National Latino Peace Officers Association Back Brough for Mayor

Today, the Denver Sheriff Lodge 27 of the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Latino Peace Officers Association endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor, citing her commitment to public safety and her understanding of the “importance of the partnership between city workers and the elected leadership of the city.”   The endorsements come on the heels of yesterday’s endorsement from the Denver Police Protective Association (PPA).   “We endorsed Kelly based on her views and commitment to provide better...

Denver Police Protective Association Endorses Kelly Brough for Mayor

Today, the Denver Police Protective Association (PPA) endorsed Kelly Brough for mayor, calling her a “trusted leader” who will work to make Denver safer for all of its residents. PPA joins a long list of public safety endorsers including former executive director of Denver’s Department of Public Safety Stephanie O’Malley, former Denver safety managers Al Lacabe and Fidel “Butch” Montoya, former Denver chiefs of police Aristedes “Ari” Zavaras and Gerry Whitman, and former Denver fire chiefs Nick Nuanes and Larry...

Another former Denver mayoral candidate has endorsed Kelly Brough in the runoff

“I endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor for a variety of reasons. One, she’s a proven executive. She knows how to get things done,” Hansen said. “Second, she has deep experience at city hall. She knows the departments, she knows how to make progress on issue after issue and she can do that from Day 1 as Denver’s next mayor.”

State Sen. Chris Hansen Endorses Kelly Brough for Mayor

Today, state Sen. Chris Hansen alongside gun safety prevention advocates and supporters endorsed Kelly Brough saying she’ll lead with integrity and champion common sense gun safety. Watch the press conference here.  “Denver needs a proven executive – Kelly Brough is the leader we can trust to deliver results,” said state Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, a former candidate for Denver mayor. “I’m proud to endorse Kelly for Denver’s next mayor because I trust Kelly to put Denver back on track – she’ll...

Kelly Brough Earns Endorsement from La Voz Colorado

Today, La Voz Colorado, the state’s number one Hispanic-owned bilingual publication, endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor. La Voz Colorado has been reporting bilingual news and serving Colorado’s Spanish-speaking community since 1974.   In their endorsement, La Voz highlighted that one of the reasons they are supporting Kelly is because she has experienced the “same realities that thousands of other Denver families live with every day,” and it “steeled her resolve to work hard every day, not only...

LaVozColorado endorses Kelly Brough for Denver Mayor

The ‘Great Pandemic,’ the name history will no doubt stamp on the virus that brought the nation to its knees for the better part of two years, is now mostly behind us. But like a 500-year-flood or once-in-a-century blizzard, its toll—human and economic—was epic. Our city, Denver, navigated the nightmare as well as any, but there is still much work to do. Photo courtesy: Kelly Brough for Mayor The job of returning Denver to full wellness and its perch as...

Kelly Brough Earns Support from Former Colorado Democratic Party Chair Rick Palacio and Vice Chair Beverly Benavidez-Ryken

Today, prominent Colorado Democratic Party leaders Rick Palacio and Beverly Benavidez-Ryken endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor. Palacio and Benavidez-Ryken served as Chair and 1st Vice Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party from 2011 to 2017. Palacio was the first openly gay Democrat and first Latino to serve as Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party. Together with Benavidez-Ryken, they have been the only Latino leadership team to run the Colorado Democratic Party in its history. Palacio also served...

Kelly Brough SCOTUS Ruling on Abortion Pill

STATEMENT: Kelly Brough SCOTUS Ruling on Abortion Pill    Denver, CO – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to block lower courts from banning the abortion pill mifepristone, however use of the pill is still restricted in some states. Mayoral candidate Kelly Brough reacted with the following statement: “As a woman and mother of two daughters, I’m relieved by today’s decision,” said Kelly Brough. “However, I’m still outraged by the ongoing attack on reproductive health care rights. If elected mayor, I...

Kelly Brough on Anniversary of Columbine

Today on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, mayoral candidate Kelly Brough released the following statement to observe the anniversary and acknowledge the pain, trauma and fear that gun violence in schools continues to inflict on our kids, educators and communities. “24 years later after Columbine and our communities are still suffering from the trauma and pain of reckless gun violence in schools – and it’s utterly unacceptable,” said Kelly Brough. “I am heart-broken...

Kelly Brough Earns Endorsement from Marijauna Industry Group

ENDORSEMENT: Kelly Brough Earns Endorsement from Marijauna Industry Group Denver, CO – The Marijuana Industry Group (MIG), Colorado’s cannabis trade association representing more than 500 business licenses, endorsed Kelly Brough to be Denver’s next mayor. Kelly is the only candidate in the mayor’s race endorsed by MIG and this is the first time the cannabis industry in Colorado has officially endorsed in any political race. ‘As a mother, a small business owner, and the Board Chair of MIG, I am...

Kelly Brough Earns Major Endorsement from former Mayor Wellington Webb and former state Rep. Wilma Webb in Race for Denver Mayor

Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and former state Rep. Wilma Webb endorsed mayoral candidate Kelly Brough today, citing her executive experience, extensive knowledge of the city and proven track record of delivering results as top reasons she should lead Denver into the next chapter of its history. The Webbs’ coveted endorsement comes off the heels of a new poll showing Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston in a statistical tie. Also in attendance were fellow endorsers CU Regent Wanda James, former...

Kelly Brough Pledges to Listen to Denver Voters and Buy Park Hill Golf Course if Elected Mayor

“Denver voters have spoken. As a city we have voted on this issue three times, and three times the Denver voters have been very clear where they stand on the future of this golf course,” Brough said. “I supported and voted Yes on 2O because I believe Denver needs more affordable housing – and as mayor I would continue to find ways to build the affordable housing Denver desperately needs. I said from the beginning I would honor the voters and I...

Kelly Brough on Medical Abortion Ruling

“As the next Mayor of Denver, I will stand firm for access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care including medical abortion. In Denver, we will not allow this outrageous attempt to suppress science and take freedom away to stand. I applaud the work of state Senator Julie Gonzales and state Representatives Froelich and Esgar whose bold leadership has protected access to abortion care in Colorado. If elected Mayor, I will partner with our legislative leaders and local healthcare...

Kelly Brough wins endorsements from Wellington Webb, Denver’s first Black mayor, and former state rep. Wilma Webb

Standing on the edge of the former Park Hill Golf Course, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and former state rep. Wilma Webb endorsed mayoral candidate Kelly Brough.

Kelly Brough- Denver will buy Park Hill Golf Course

Denver mayoral candidate Kelly Brough said her administration will commit to buying the Park Hill Golf Course, citing the clear message from Denver residents who have voted on the measure three times.

Denver Post

Q&A with Denver mayor candidate Kelly Brough

I see a city of promise: a place where all people have access to shelter and housing. Where we all feel safe and take pride in our neighborhoods. Where parents can age in the houses they raised their kids – and those kids can afford to buy homes and plant roots, too. A city with a world class education system and a set of strong civic and arts institutions that nurture community. A region working together to address transportation and...

Westword

The Contenders: Kelly Brough Brings Combo of Life Challenges and Executive Experience

Together with significant experience working in the public sector — as a legislative analyst for Denver City Council, chief of staff for then-Mayor John Hickenlooper and president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce — that background has become one of Brough’s primary pitches to Denver voters to show that she has the professional chops and empathy gained through tough life moments to become an ideal Denver mayor.

Denver Gazette

Denver Gazette Editorial Board Endorses Kelly Brough

Kelly Brough for Denver Mayor- “Now, more than even, Denver needs Kelly Brough as its mayor.”

CBS Colorado

Big endorsement could shake up Denver’s mayoral race

With 17 candidates on the ballot for Denver mayor in two months, former Gov. Bill Ritter could have easily just watched the race for the sidelines. “I’m pretty careful about endorsements,” he said. Ritter has endorsed Kelly Brough for Denver mayor.

Five Regional Mayors Endorse Kelly Brough’s Plan to Address Homelessness

Five Regional Mayors Endorse Kelly Brough’s Plan to Address Homelessness Mayoral candidate Kelly Brough unveiled her plan to address homelessness Tuesday, pledging to work toward a regional and data-informed solution and committing to end unsanctioned encampments within the first year of her term. “This is an incredibly complex and challenging problem, but one thing we all agree on is that living on our streets is unsafe and inhumane,” Brough said. “We have to do better as a community. I’m committed...

El Comercio de Colorado

Kelly Brough: “We can build a city where we can all live”

Kelly Brough aspires to be Denver’s first Mayoress. She brings with her extensive experience in the private sector and the public administration. Brough was Mayor Hickenlooper’s chief of staff. The candidate has extensive knowledge of the challenges facing the city and how to face them. She confidently states, “I know many families are struggling, mine is too. I can tell you that we can do better than we are doing today.” Read the full article in English or Spanish.

Brough Releases Community Safety Platform

Mayoral Candidate Kelly Brough Releases Community Safety Platform Brough joined by Law Enforcement and Civil Rights Advocates Standing outside the Denver Justice Center on Wednesday, Mayoral Candidate Kelly Brough laid out her vision for a safer Denver flanked by unlikely allies, including former Denver Manager of Safety Al LaCabe and former Director of Public Policy for the ACLU of Colorado Denise Maes. “Restoring the Promise of Denver starts with ensuring safety for everyone in our community. We cannot deny that...

The Gazette

Kelly Brough files papers to enter Denver mayoral race

The Denver mayoral race is heating up. Former head of the Denver Metro Chamber Kelly Brough has filed the paperwork declaring her candidacy for the Denver mayoral race next year, although she’s not revealing her platform just yet, she said. “I really do know the city. I not only know it, I love it. I know what we are capable of and what’s possible. I know how to attract a team who can deliver,” Brough said.

Denver Business Journal

Former Denver Chamber CEO Kelly Brough jumps into Denver mayoral race

Former Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Kelly Brough officially filed paperwork Monday to run for Denver mayor. Brough’s entrance into what will be a crowded race is likely to rally behind her many business leaders who are seeking a candidate that understands their needs and is willing to talk about boosting public safety and helping to improve downtown.

The Colorado Sun

A 401(k) for homeownership? Colorado housing leaders offer up solutions to affordability problem.

Giving employers a tax break to help workers buy homes could help ease the state’s housing crisis, a group convened by Colorado’s U.S. senators says. A 401(k)-type savings program for homeownership, more funding for federal housing support and a national incentive program modeled after a Colorado policy are among the proposals by a group focused on easing the state’s housing crisis.

CU Denver News

Kelly Brough on snowplows, childhood lessons, and the transformative power of work

Kelly Brough (MBA ’89) has held some interesting jobs in her career, including human resources director for the City and County of Denver, chief of staff to former Mayor John Hickenlooper, and snowplow driver at Stapleton International Airport. Throughout her life, she has been a trailblazer: she was the first female to hold various positions—including her current title at the Denver Metro Chamber.

Kelly Brough at Denver Gender Equity Summit

Watch Kelly Brough speak at Denver’s 2017 Gender Equity Summit, sharing her experience taking on three roles that women previously had not held:

One Colorado Ally Spotlight: Kelly Brough

Watch Kelly’s Ally Spotlight from One Colorado: During the 2015 legislative session, Kelly led the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (then, as its president and CEO) in opposing religious exemptions legislation that didn’t align with the inclusive and collaborative culture in Colorado. Her fearless leadership helped to ensure that many Colorado businesses stood with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Coloradans, and closed the door on discrimination that would allow people to claim their religious beliefs give them permission to pick...

Kelly Brough at TEDx Crestmoor Park Women

Watch Kelly’s TEDx Talk, I Survived by Outrunning My Brothers, to get to know more about her and her family’s story. This was presented in 2013 as part of TEDx Crestmoor Park Women.