Denver Mayor Michael Hancock Sworn In For 3rd Term

DENVER, CO — Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and five city council members were sworn in Monday morning. Hancock begins his third term in office after defeating candidate Jamie Giellis in Denver's runoff election June 4. Hancock won the runoff with about 56 percent of the vote.

Protesters chanted throughout the swearing-in ceremony, and one woman was taken into a police vehicle after she tried to interrupt Hancock's oath-taking.

The five new city council members are Amanda Sandoval, Candi CdeBaca, Chris Hinds, Amanda Sawyer and Jamie Torres. Hancock has met with each of the new members one-on-one to begin building relationships.

The ceremony began at 10 a.m. on the steps of the City and County Building at 1437 Bannock Street, where Hancock gave his inaugural address.

"We need to make a city where our success today means fortifying an economy for tomorrow. An economy that is built on equity, opportunity and social benefit for every resident, every worker and every family," Hancock said in his speech. "We know that our city, to remain strong, our legacy, must be an economy that works for everyone."

In his address, Hancock focused on his goals for helping the city's homeless, boosting jobs training, expanding affordable childcare, supporting schools, creating more affordable housing, boosting healthcare and supporting the economy.

"A child's zip code should not predetermine their future," he said. "It should only determine that their college acceptance letter makes it to their address."

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Hancock suffered a hit to his reputation last year when he was accused by a former female security team member of sending unwanted sexual text messages in 2012. He has since apologized publicly multiple times for the incident. In his Monday address, he emphasized his support for women's equality.

"Our public investments should be the vehicles to drive public good. Our projects will be rooted in our equity platform and we will continue to create local jobs. We will support our local businesses — especially women and minority-owned businesses."

Because of term limits, this will be Hancock's final four years as mayor. Hancock served on the city council from 2004 to 2011 and won his first election for mayor in 2011, followed by a landslide second election in 2015. As mayor during Denver's recent economic boom, Hancock's campaign this time around focused on his childhood as the youngest of 10 children, his "Equity Platform" budget and Denveright land use and transportation plan.

Hancock's achievements include raising the minimum wage for city employees to $15 per hour, funding an affordable housing commission and pushing for the expungement of low-level marijuana convictions.

A free community celebration began at 6 p.m. at the Botanic Gardens. Grammy-winning artist Babyface performed at the event.

Related:

• Denver Runoff Election 2019 Results: Giellis Concedes To Hancock
• Denver Votes To Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms
• Denver Mayor Election Results Runoff: Hancock To Face Giellis
• Denver Runoff Election 2019 Voter Guide