John Walsh defeated Leora Joseph in the race to replace Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, who decided against seeking reelection.

Walsh has secured 58% of the votes, with Leora Joseph at 42%, according to the unofficial, early tally of the votes.

With no Republicans qualifying for the November ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will take over McCann’s seat in the 2nd Judicial District. 

Walsh told Colorado Politics he is a seasoned prosecutor with years of experience. A career highlight was his nomination to be Colorado’s US Attorney, which came from former President Barack Obama.

Joseph touted her experience in mental health as a primary reason for running for the open seat. Joseph told Colorado Politics she was appointed to lead Colorado’s Office of Civic and Forensic Mental Health.

“I’m the choice of Denver’s first responders and have been endorsed by Denver’s police and firefighters’ unions,” she said.

Unlike the other 21 judicial districts in Colorado, the 2nd Judicial District, with 715,000 residents, is not a combined court. Denver comprises four constitutionally separate courts: county court, district court, probate court, and juvenile court.

The Denver District Attorney is responsible for prosecuting felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses within the city.

The district leans in favor of Democrats with 160,812. There are 79,263 Republicans and 243,754 unaffiliated voters. Currently, there are 492,413 active voters in the district.

The general election candidates in several of the state’s district attorney races also appear to be set. 

Michael Allen secures Republican nod in 4th Judicial District

In the 4th Judicial District, incumbent Michael Allen secured his party’s nomination with 68% of the votes against primary opponent David Willson, who has 31%.

He will Democrat challenger Jeremy Dowell in November. 

Once covering 18 of the state’s 26 counties, the 4th Judicial District has shrunk over the years. It now covers El Paso and Teller Counties, which have a combined population 723,000.

Allen was elected to office in 2021. He has spent 20 years as a prosecutor. In his time as the district attorney, Allen said he had prosecuted high-profile cases such as the Club Q shooting and Letitia Stauch, who was accused of killing her stepson.

In focusing on the general election, Dowell criticized the Republican incumbent, saying, “The last several DAs in the 4th Judicial District have been able to sleepwalk their way into office, and that shows. At minimum, they should have to earn it by winning votes in a competition of ideas.”

The 4th Judicial District favors Republicans, with 187,763 registered. There are 88,790 Democrats and 251,248 unaffiliated voters in the district. Currently, the district has 536,887 active voters.

George Brauchler wins in 23rd Judicial District

In the 23rd Judicial District, George Brauchler secured the position after defeating Dagny Van Der Jagt, the unofficial, early tally showed on Tuesday night. Brauchler held 65% of the votes, while Jagt had 34%. 

The 23rd Judicial District is the state’s first new judicial district in 60 years. It encompasses Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties, while Arapahoe County remains in the 18th district.

The new district was created after the 18th Judicial District split in two.

John Kellner, the DA for the 18th Judicial District, opted not to seek another term, telling Colorado Politics recently that he is unsure of his next career steps.

Two GOP candidates are vying for the Republican-heavy district in Tuesday’s primary.

Brauchler, a former prosecutor, is no stranger to the region. Once serving as the district attorney for the 18th Judicial District, Brauchler announced in February that he wants his job back. He faced term limits three years ago.

According to her website, Jagt is endorsed by the state of Colorado GOP, the 23 JD Republican Assembly, and the Douglas County GOP.

Heading into the November general election, Brauchler/Jagt will face Democratic opponent Karen Breslin, who faces an uphill battle in the Republican-leaning district.