‘Pueblo spoke clearly,’ says mayor after two-thirds vote to keep the position

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - As of 9 p.m. Tuesday night, two-thirds of voters have chosen to keep a "strong mayor" form of government in Pueblo.

The proposition gave voters the option to switch back to a council-manager form of government – effectively dissolving the elected mayor's position and replacing it with a city manager appointed by the city council.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Understanding ballot question 2C: Pueblo’s proposal to shift to city manager governance

Mayor Heather Graham made the following statement on social media as results flooded in:

I stand with the majority of Pueblo voters who chose to keep a mayor. Pueblo spoke clearly: we want to keep making progress. Keeping a mayor means we retain our ability to advocate for Pueblo’s interests, create policies and procedures that make our local government more efficient and effective, and ensure that the people’s voice remains central in city leadership.

While the opposing campaign focused largely on personal attacks against me, this election was always about something much bigger. It was about protecting checks and balances, ensuring that our City Council—and every council that follows—remains accountable to the people, and preventing a return to the days when only a few individuals controlled our city’s direction.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who voted, engaged, and believed in Pueblo’s future. As your mayor for the next two years, my focus remains on the work ahead: making Pueblo safer, supporting local businesses, and cleaning up our community.

I also want to extend congratulations to the newly elected councilors. I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to strengthen Pueblo, improve how our city operates, and serve the people who call this community home. Together, we’ll continue to build a community that is protected, respected, and connected.

However, the group Taxpayers for 2C tells KRDO13 they remain hopeful. They say no matter the outcome, they will be ready to move the needle forward.

This is one of several ballot measures in Pueblo. Another measure that's been a topic of discussion among residents is question 2A. This measure would increase the city's sales tax by 1%. If approved, it would go into effect at the start of 2026. The tax increase would be put toward the city's general fund.

As of 9 p.m. on election night, roughly 80% of ballots cast so far voted against 2A.

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