Nick Campion has dropped out of the runoff race for Denver City Council District 7, making Flor Alvidrez the de facto winner for the open seat.
Campion and Alvidrez were set to compete in a runoff on June 6. In the March election, Alvidrez won with 38.5% of the vote, but with less than 50%, the race headed to a runoff. It was a tight race for the second spot, with Campion coming in second with 19.23%.
"The reason for my decision is due to unexpected but wonderful news - I will soon become a father," Campion wrote in a statement Monday. "This life-changing event would make it difficult for me to devote the necessary time and energy to both the campaign and elected office. District 7 deserves a champion who will prioritize our residents every day."
A spokesperson for the Clerk and Recorder's office says the runoff ballot has already been certified, so Campion will still appear on the June 6 ballot.
Any votes for Campion would be considered undervotes and will not count. Since write-ins are not allowed in the runoff, Alvidrez would be the only active candidate on the ballot. Since Alvidrez is now running unopposed, both she and Campion must stop Fair Elections Fund spending and return leftover money to the city.
"Mr. Campion reached out and informed me of his decision. I admire his dedication to his family and I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors," Alvidrez said in a statement Monday. "My focus remains in being out in the community, having conversations with the residents of District 7, and hearing about the issues that matter the most to them. I would be honored to serve as their representative on the Denver City Council and hope to earn the confidence of their vote on June 6th."
Campion came to the race with a background in software and a focus on climate. Alvidrez grew up in Athmar Park, and sought to become the first representative of District 7 from the west side of I-25. She is a small business owner, owning a real estate company and helping run her family's concrete company. During the campaign, Alvidrez talked about helping small businesses and housing affordability.
"Flor Alvidrez has run an incredible campaign and I wish her the very best," Campion said. "I am confident that she will be a powerful advocate for our community's residents and businesses."
The District 7 seat is open because current councilmember Jolon Clark decided last year he would not seek re-election.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information from the Clerk and Recorder's Office and comment from Alvidrez.
