COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Springs District 1 City Councilman Dave Donelson has confirmed to KRDO13 that he intends to run for mayor of Colorado Springs in the upcoming April city election.

KRDO13 reached out to him after noticing his Facebook profile had changed to read: "Dave Donelson Mayor for the People."

Councilman Doneslon says he plans to release an official announcement in a few weeks, but provided KRDO13 with a full statement, which is at the end of this article.

So who is currently running for mayor?

So far, KRDO13 has learned of at least five candidates planning to run in the upcoming April election, however other potential candidates could still enter the race since they have until the end of January to file with the city.

This April, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced his reelection campaign.

"What I wanted to do, [with announcing early] was truly to call attention to this. To this day and a year from now, because April elections, Colorado Springs elections, we're lucky if we get 40% turnout. I want people to remember this day and to show up for me, but also truly for the city of Colorado Springs," Mayor Mobolade answered when asked why he announced his campaign so early in the election cycle.

In June, Stan VanderWerf, former Chairman of the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, announced he would run for the seat, saying he would focus on safety, affordability, road quality, thoughtful growth, accountability to taxpayers, and restoring trust in local government.

“Colorado Springs can be the best city in the Nation,” VanderWerf said. “With the right leadership, we can be a national example of the perfect balance between public and private action — with a healthy economy, safe neighborhoods, thoughtful growth, and a great place to live.”

There are two other mayoral hopefuls who have kicked off their campaigns: Glen Shaw and John "Tig" Tiegen. Tiegen previously ran a campaign for Colorado Springs mayor in 2023.

How much money has been raised so far?

So far, over $213,000 has already been raised by mayoral candidate committees. The latest filings show that Mayor Mobolade carried over around $100,000 from his 2023 campaign and raised roughly another $100,000 this year.

Shaw, Tiegen and VanderWerf collectively make up the remaining $10,000 in campaign contributions

Councilman Donelson has not submitted a campaign financing report as of the last reporting deadline.

What does this mean for the District One council seat?

Elected city officials are not allowed to run for office and hold a seat at the same time. Win or lose, Councilman Donelson will have to give up his seat. Officially, on the third Tuesday in April at 9:59 a.m., the councilor's seat will be vacated.

What that means for the City Council District 1 seat is the Colorado Springs City Council will have 30 days from the swearing-in of new elected city officials to appoint someone to fill the seat. They will then hold that seat until the next municipal election in April 2029.

Councilman Donelson has to give notice at least 60 days before the general municipal election, and then has up to 61 days prior to withdraw his intent to run.

Councilman Donelson's statement to KRDO13:

"An official announcement of my candidacy will be released in the next few weeks. Because of the interest by media in the name change of my Facebook page from “Dave Donelson for City Council District 1” to “Dave Donelson Mayor for the people“ I am releasing this brief statement.

As a Colorado Springs City Councilman, over the last five and a half years I have earned the reputation of being the councilman who actually listens to the citizens. I have become known for integrity, transparency, and fighting for the interests of our citizens, their neighborhoods and businesses.

Now we need a mayor who has those values. This current City Councilman,  father, recent grandfather, and former Green Beret looks forward to working for the citizens of Colorado Springs as their Mayor for the People!"

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