Slew of candidates prep for mayoral election in Pueblo

In just a little over 24 hours, Pueblo could vote in its first mayor in more than 50 years, or at least the final two candidates if no one gets more than 50 percent of the vote.

With there being 16 candidates up for the job, many voters will be split on who they will choose to use their one vote on, making it that much more difficult for a candidate to reach more than 50 percent of the vote.

Many candidates campaigned heavily over the weekend, some going door to door, while others used social media to reach voters for one last push before Tuesday.

One candidate says he’s still looking for those undecided voters the day before Election Day.

“I think the citizens are really hungry to want to know more about who these sixteen people are and who they should vote for,” said Pueblo Mayoral Candidate Randy Thurston.

In order to reach those voters on the final day before Election Day, Randy Thurston paid visits to Pueblo businesses.

“What I always like doing is going in and talking to the local businesses,” said Thurston. “They are all concerned about Pueblo’s growth.”

Former Pueblo City Council President Steve Nawrocki has campaigned since December of last year. Despite months of campaigning, he’ll continue to shake hands later Monday night. However, he says the voter’s minds are set.

“We’ve got two days left,” said Nawrocki. “I find it hard to believe that most people haven’t come up with a decision on any of the election issues.”

Candidate Nick Gradisar didn’t spend Monday with registered voters but took questions from local Pueblo elementary students.

“We spent some time this morning talking with them about leadership qualities and the importance of leadership,” said Gradisar. “Obviously, we encouraged the kids to get their parents to turn their ballots in before tomorrow’s election as well.”

If no one receives more than 50 percent, the top two vote-getters will go to a runoff in January for the mayor position. Candidates we spoke with are split on whether they think there will be a runoff election.

“There are some really viable people that are running that I think the voters will probably be split up significantly,” said Nawrocki. “I think it would be kind of difficult for one individual to come up with fifty [percent] plus one.”

“If the majority of the people want change then I’m the guy. I don’t think there will be a runoff,” said Thurston.

KRDO reached out to a number of different candidates Monday. Many say all they can hope for is that their hard work pays off Tuesday. All they can do now is light a candle and pray for good results.