Eleven Municipal Candidates Receive First 2027 FEF Disbursements

The Denver Clerk & Recorder has authorized $682,877.43 in Fair Elections Fund payments to 11 candidates running in the 2027 municipal election.

The payments are the first Fair Elections Fund disbursements of the 2027 election cycle and match eligible contributions from Denver residents received through June 30, 2026.

Candidates who collected sufficient and audited qualifying contributions through June 30, 2026, were eligible for this disbursement.

"These first disbursements show that Denver residents are already engaging in the 2027 election, with more than 1,850 contributions matched across races throughout the city," Chief Deputy City Clerk Andy Szekeres said.

Four additional disbursements are scheduled before the April 6, 2027, municipal election. Payments are tied to campaign finance reporting deadlines. The next payment will follow the Quarter 3 campaign finance report, which candidates must file by October 15.

For the 2027 election cycle, mayoral candidates may receive up to $895,095 in Fair Elections Fund payments. Candidates for auditor, clerk and recorder and city council at-large may receive up to $298,365, while city council district candidates may receive up to $149,180. Candidates who advance to a runoff election receive a one-time payment equal to 25% of their Fair Elections Fund payments received through the municipal election.

A list of all candidates who have filed for the 2027 municipal election, along with their Fair Elections Fund status, is available on the Denver Clerk & Recorder website.

Fair Elections Fund Background

The Fair Elections Fund was approved by voters in 2018. It gives greater voice to small donors, reduces the influence of money in politics and encourages broader participation in local elections. The program lowers donation limits for all candidates, bans contributions from businesses and LLCs, and provides public matching funds to qualified candidates.

To qualify, a candidate agrees to the lower contribution limits and must collect 100 qualifying contributions from Denver residents of at least $5, or 250 qualifying contributions for mayoral candidates. Once a candidate qualifies, the first $50 contributed by each Denver resident is matched at a 9-to-1 ratio, meaning a $50 contribution can be matched with up to $450 in public funds.

City Clerk staff audit every contribution and expenditure reported by participating candidates to ensure contributions meet program requirements and public funds are only used for eligible, election-related expenses. All campaign finance reports are available to the public through SearchLight Denver. The Fair Elections Fund is supported through an annual appropriation of $3.43 per Denver resident. Learn more at denvergov.org/fairelectionsfund.

2026 Vacancy Election

Candidates running in the 2026 vacancy election for City Council At-Large, Seat B may participate in the Fair Elections Fund but were not eligible for this initial disbursement.

Vacancy election candidates must collect 100 qualifying contributions and apply for Fair Elections Fund certification by September 4, 2026. Qualified candidates will receive Fair Elections Fund disbursements in September and October leading up to the November 3, 2026 election.