Colorado Politics

In District Attorney race, John Walsh raises $183K, Leora Joseph collects $88,000 in latest report

Former US Attorney John Walsh’s campaign for Denver District Attorney has raised over $183,000 in two months, outpacing fellow candidates for the last reporting period. 

Walsh, who joined the race in November, had about $139,000 in the bank at the end of the period, which covered Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 of last year.

Meanwhile, former 18th Judicial District Deputy District Attorney Leora Joseph raised roughly $88,000 during the same period. Joseph held more cash on hand with about $175,000.

Civil rights attorney Lisi Owen collected roughly $6,000, while Chief Deputy Denver District Attorney Matthew James raised $4,000.  

“Our campaign’s remarkable fundraising success underscores Denverites’ commitment to safety and fairness, so that we can ensure our city is a vibrant, welcoming and safe home for all of us,” Walsh said. “I am thankful to everyone who is supporting the campaign, and I look forward to continuing to connect with the Denver community to create a safer and more just Denver together. We’re just getting started!”

In a statement, Joseph’s campaign, who has collected more than $200,000 since launching her campaign, announced the endorsements of House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman.

“I am running on change. I am deeply grateful to all my supporters who believe in my vision for Denver. Together, we can make Denver a city steeped in principles of justice where everyone feels safer,” Joseph said.

In July, two-term incumbent Beth McCann announced she would not be seeking reelection.  Walsh, who ran for US Senate in 2020, officially launched his candidacy on Nov. 2.

To date, Walsh has received an endorsement from McCann, former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, former US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, and Assistant Denver District Attorney Zach McCabe, who withdrew from the race in November. 

“This campaign is about creating real results and electing someone with a proven record of accomplishments who will make the community safer – and that is John Walsh,” said campaign manager Tallon Clancy. “The momentum of support continues to build as Denverites get to know John and understand that he will continue to fight, as he has for years, for a safer and more just city.”

Joseph, on the other hand, has received the backing of Sens. Kyle Mullica and Kevin Priola, Denver Public Schools board member Kimberly Sia, CU regent Ilana Spiegel and former Denver Councilmember Carol Boigon.

“Denver is at a pivotal moment and in need of change. So many of our elected officials support my vision for this great city. Many of these legislators know my work at the state level and it is an honor to have their support,” Joseph said of her backers. 

The election for Denver’s district attorney is Nov. 5.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include campaign finance numbers from Leora Joseph, Lisi Owen and Matthew James.

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh is running, along with three other candidates, to become Denver’s next district attorney. The election is on Nov. 4, 2024. 
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