It’s a historic day in Denver - the first time we’ve closed an encampment by moving people into housing. Our first
#MovingDay
proves the best way to address the issue of homelessness is by focusing on the cause, not the symptom. 🧵
I’m Mike Johnston. I’m a former teacher, principal, Obama advisor, and State Senator.
And, today, I’m announcing my Democratic campaign to defeat Republican Senator Cory Gardner.
Help Democrats flip this critical seat:
Just to be clear, I’m Mike Johnston with a “T”
I am neither running for speaker, trying to overturn a lawful election, nor roll back abortion rights and LGBTQ protections.
The “T” makes a big difference.
Took the family to
#Beetlejuice
tonight at
@DenverCenter
, cast was incredible, staff was so kind, and didn’t find anyone who needed to call the mayor. 🤷🏼♂️
Did I forget a section in the playbook about not vaping and getting handsy at Beetlejuice? We haven’t had that issue with any of our newcomers, but now that we know you're paying attention, we'll add it.
Denver officials have just released a 22-page “Newcomers Playbook: A Guide to Welcoming Newcomers into Your City”.
This is a guide that tells other cities how to follow the Denver model of bringing illegals into a city.
I wish I was joking, but this is reality.
We need to vote
Jared Polis is an entrepreneur for good. He has earned my respect and support. With tonight's results, I hope you will join me in being the first to sign up and make calls for him. Let’s stand together and fight for full day K, 100% renewables, and other critical common ground.
.
@SenCoryGardner
said this week he doesn't support gun control. Here's what I don't support: A U.S. Senator who finds time to take nearly $4 million from the NRA but can't find time to meet with families impacted by gun violence.
Here is all you have to know about Nikola
#Jokic
: as time runs out on his first world championship ever, the first in
@Nuggets
history, before he celebrates with a single teammate, here is what he does.
That’s
#Denver
at its best.
I am aware of the shameful signs found around our city. This type of abhorrent & racist behavior is absolutely not welcome here. Denver is a welcoming and inclusive city that gives opportunity to people from all walks of life, & we will fight to ensure that remains the case.🧵1/2
Thanks
@MomsDemand
for naming me a Gun Sense Candidate! I'm the only candidate in this race who's taken on the NRA twice and won. And I'll do it again if it means saving more lives.
#NeverAgain
House 1,000 people living on Denver's street in under six months.
Some people thought it was impossible, but I knew we had to confront homelessness in a big way if we wanted a big change. 1,034 people have come inside as Dec. 30. This is historic, and we’re just getting started.
Hey
@SenCoryGardner
, we stopped by your office today, but you weren’t there. So instead, I'll try reaching you the old-fashioned way. I’m sending you the text of the bills we passed in the CO state Senate to implement universal background checks and limit high-capacity magazines.
Heard my son stirring in his room at 10 PM and figured he was up to no good. Then came in and found this: Him hand drawing a
#GeorgeFloyd
poster. “Hate can’t drive out hate. Only love can do that”
#TheYoungWillLeadUs
This was another historic moment for Denver. For the second time, the city closed an encampment while moving the people there indoors.
When the encampment near 21st/Curtis closed, 61 people accepted and moved into transitional housing.
We are on our way to our House1000 goal.
Yesterday, we said the final goodbye to my mom. She changed my world, and she convinced me with a ferocity I will never surrender that we can all change the world -- because I watched her do it every day.
President Biden, thank you for your leadership and your legacy. This letter will take its place in the primary documents of American history as an example of what it means to love your country more than yourself.
Back in 1974, a few dozen people kicked off Denver’s PrideFest with a picnic at Cheesman Park. Little did they know it would grow into the vibrant celebration it is now. Today, Denver celebrates 50 years of inclusion, equality and Pride!
This marks the start of a new era in our city, when we can give unhoused neighbors a place to call home, and give every Denverite back safe access to public parks, sidewalks and shared spaces.
Thank you, Denver!
This campaign was about having a big vision for what is possible for Denver. Now, thanks to your support and commitment and passion for our city, we get to make that vision a reality.
This is our dream, this is our Denver, now let’s go build it together.
Tonya is a light. She’s been living outside at the encampment near 48th and Colorado, but today, she’s going to a warm hotel along with everyone else at the encampment. When I saw her this morning, she kept repeating the same thing: “I feel so great!”
Excited to share what’s next: i will be the new President+CEO of The Piton Foundation+Gary Community Investments, an incredible hybrid foundation/for profit investment fund created by Sam and Nancy Gary to ensure every low income family in Colorado has access to opportunity!
We're thrilled to welcome Mike Johnston as President & CEO! His commitment to the Colorado community and ability to bring people together aligns with our mission to improve the lives of Colorado’s children and families. Read the official announcement:
We're publicly calling on
@SenCoryGardner
to take action to address the gun violence epidemic. Join us tomorrow at 8am at Gardner's office and help us demand change:
1961 Stout St., Ste 12-300
Denver, CO
#EnoughIsEnough
Grateful for unanimous city council support to open 2 more hotel sites, including our family shelter in SE Denver. This clears the path to bring 1000 people indoors this year and permanently close encampments. This is a courageous city council that Denver should be proud of!
Hard launching the first blocks of the new and improved 16th Street Mall. The first section of 16th Street is back open after construction. Grab a seat on a patio and enjoy this iconic piece of Downtown Denver.
It looks great out there, and it's only getting better!
Colorado took an important step today to reduce gun violence and save lives by passing a
#RedFlagLaw
. It's time for Congress to follow Colorado's lead on this as well as universal background checks and magazine limits.
#Enough
@MomsDemand
It’s a magical time to be in Denver. Longhorns running down 17th street and the greatest basketball player alive proving the impossible possible every day. And were just getting started.
🧵 1/3 Today, we declared a State of Emergency on homelessness.
Denver’s homelessness crisis is the most significant issue facing our city, & this declaration is the first step to reach our goal of helping 1,000 unhoused Denverites get safely indoors.
"After the Aurora theater shooting, I took on the NRA twice and won. I'm not afraid to take steps to keep our state safe."
#4NoMore
#DemDebate
#MikeforGov
One of my supporters and friends put our yard sign in his yard. Then this morning, he woke up to find this placed in his yard with 35 bullet holes shot through the chest and an NRA logo on it. He had to explain to his scared kids and I had to explain to mine what this means.
This morning, I announced my Democratic campaign for Colorado’s U.S. Senate seat. I’m ready to take on Cory Gardner–and win.
If you want a Senator who will stand up to Trump and fight for solutions on climate change and gun violence, join our campaign:
Some people try to use fear to win arguments they can't win with words. But I stand with the millions of Coloradans — gun owners or not, NRA members or not — who believe that conversation solves more problems than intimidation. No threat can change my heart on that.
I just came from a press conf at East High School. Todays tragedy, the 3rd shooting on a DPS campus in the last month, makes clear the Denver School Board needs to reverse its policy and allow schools to decide if they want school resource officers, and they need to do it tonight
I would be the first public school teacher elected Colorado Governor. I served as Senior Education Advisor to
@BarackObama
. I entered politics to do better by our students. False attacks by Super PACS can't erase my record or my commitment to education.
Being white in America is shooting 3 people + walking straight at 5 police cars with an AR-15 in your hand and the police ignore you. Being black is opening your car door, unarmed, and being shot in the back 7 times by the same police. That is the problem.
#Kenosha
#NBABoycott
As a former principal today’s shooting at East High School is particularly heartbreaking because 2 educators had to search a student they suspected of having a weapon-and they both got shot with that weapon-because they didn’t have a metal detector or an officer to do that search
My kids were able to eat breakfast every morning of the pandemic because of these brave folks. Seemed only right to return the favor. So I brought bagels.
@UFCW_7
#KingSoopersStrike
Everyone deserves a safe place to stay. This week I joined
@repdianadegette
,
@COCoalition
, and others to open Renewal Village. This space in Globeville will provide 215 units of transitional/supportive housing, including 60 units dedicated to veterans experiencing homelessness.
The Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant program will add vital infrastructure to better connect the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea areas.
Thanks for visiting us,
@SecretaryPete
, and for supporting this work in Denver.
When you’re going to drop off your ballot and a friend hollers from the car “hey mike drop mine off too” and it’s
@elisabethepps
😁! Glad to be or service 👏Get out and vote denver still have 1hr 45 mins until ballots close!
The first time I met
@repjohnlewis
. with a room full of dignitaries, he spent all the time after his speech talking with my son Emmet. A reminder in trying times that our true heroes are those who are both great and good at the same time
#RIPJohnLewis
Championship season has begun in Denver!
Congrats
@DU_Hockey
and
@DU_Pioneers
on standing alone as the greatest college hockey team of all time with 10 national championships!!
#TENver
#GoPios
Champ10ns
Denver stands alone on top of the mountain for the most national championships in college hockey - 1 more than Michigan and 2 more than North Dakota.
#GoPios
|
#TENver
Weekend plans are in the bag(s). It’s not too late to get downtown for the first-ever Colorado Cornhole Classic!
This is going to be the best new tradition in the Ballpark Neighborhood. Good food, good music and a great way to soak up the last bit of summer.
Congratulations to the Denver Post’s
@areyouajulie
and 9NEWS’
@KyleClark
. Their efforts to positively impact our community earned them the prestigious Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award. It’s a testament to their passion and dedication. Cheers to a well-deserved recognition!
Denver is actually writing the book on welcoming newcomers. We’ve changed, adapted and found models that work, and now we’ve even open-sourced those strategies for use in other cities across the country.
Had the opportunity to ride along with the incredible Greg Cole, the reigning Snow Rodeo champion & one of Denver’s amazing snow plow drivers.
Our team is out there making sure the streets are safe. Give them a wave or ask them to honk next time you see them on your street! 💪
The perfect 10! Great to celebrate with our
@DU_Hockey
and their record 10th national championship, officially making Denver the hockey capital of america!
#GoPios
#TENver
.
@SenCoryGardner
, what President Trump said about our Congresswomen is unacceptable. And if you’re unwilling to call it out for what it is, then it’s just another reason why you shouldn’t be representing Colorado.
When newcomers arrived in Denver by the busload, we faced a crisis. But we rolled up our sleeves, believing even this problem was solvable. We hosted legal clinics for work authorization, found housing and started the country’s first asylum seeker program to help them find a job.
This is the
#TrumpBorderCrisis
now. Biden, Senate D’s+R’s had a bipartisan solution that would secure the border, put migrants to work+fund affected cities. Trump wanted the crisis to continue, he demanded it continue. And republican leadership folded So this is his policy now.
Over the last 12 months, Denver has housed more people faster, per capita, than any city in America. And in finding them a home, we created a better home for all of us.
#DenverSOTC
Happy Pride, Denver! Such a beautiful day celebrating love, supporting Denver’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and recommitting ourselves to fighting for a city where everyone can thrive.
Shoutout to
@CHEERColorado
and
@GuFaBrass
for letting me join in on the fun. 😂
#DenverPride
When Denver approved a new Montbello High School, the community said kids deserve world-class schools where they can get a world-class education. This building is now fully renovated, and it looks incredible. Enjoy your new home, Warriors!
Today, we dedicate ourselves to two essential American ideas: every problem we face is solvable, and we are the ones to solve them to deliver on our dream of Denver.
I am so excited and honored to be your 46th Mayor. Now it’s time to get to work!
Ok
#Swiftie
Twitter I need your help. I am taking my daughter to
@taylorswift13
tonight. she is going as Miss Americana and has informed me that I have to dress as the heartbreak prince : need costume ideas for something I can assemble in one hour with regular household goods? 🕺🏼
What is your favorite neighborhood spot in Denver? Bar, restaurant, coffee shop, donuts, ice cream-the place that makes you smile and feels like home as soon as you walk in? I want to visit them all as I’m walking Denver and you can come tell me what to order😁.
#VibrantDenver
Honored to earn the endorsement of the
@DenverPost
Editorial Board today.
I deeply believe we can make Denver America’s best city, and as Mayor, I’ll build the broad coalitions and deliver the detailed plans we need to get it done.
The current migrant situation is unsustainable, but there is a commonsense path to a workable solution. I'm in D.C. pushing for federal support for Denver.
By voting with Trump,
@SenCoryGardner
chose to build a wall between himself and the millions of Coloradans who want government that works.
#FakeTrumpEmergency
Last night we honored the 311 people who died on Denver streets this year. The annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil is often the only funeral for people who experienced homelessness. It’s a sobering reminder of why getting our unhoused neighbors into new homes is so important.
Mr. Big Shot. King of Park Hill. And today, Hall of Famer.
With his induction into
@Hoophall
, history will remember Denver’s own Chauncey Billups forever.
Some of the best early news of the night tonight looks like
@Sully_720
looks like he could be able to pull off a huge win. Big
@MomsDemand
momentum there thanks to
@shannonrwatts
and amazing team!
Thank you
@shannonrwatts
for your inspiring and courageous leadership. Mothers are standing up. Students are standing up. We all must join them.
#Enough
#NeverAgain
I met with
@MikeJohnstonCO
recently; he had tears in his eyes as he spoke about family & friends impacted by gun violence. And again when he spoke about his colleagues recalled by the
@NRA
after they worked to pass sweeping, lifesaving gun reform in
#COleg
. This is his priority.
Welcome to Denver,
@TurkishAirlines
!
We're thrilled to announce
@DENAirport
's 26th airline. The flight to Istanbul is now the longest direct flight out of Denver. Turkish Airlines will connect us even more to the world, and it'll have a great economic impact on Colorado.
Huge thanks to
@SenRhondaFields
and
@RepEpps
for their courage and leadership in bringing forward the assault weapons ban. This is a common sense gun solution that can keep Coloradans safe; this morning we know the work is not done, and we remain committed to marching forward.
So proud to partner with United Airlines last week to open the largest flight training center in the world, right here in East Denver! United already has 10,000 employees who call Denver home, and now more than 20,000 pilots will come here every year for training.
There's nothing like
#OpeningDay
, and no one knows that better than Mary. She's been working at Coors Field for 26 years.
Great to meet her, and to see that incredible
@rockies
win!
.
@leslieherod
is a visionary coalition builder who has made Denver a national leader on mental health through her creation of Caring for Denver and support for the STAR program. I’m incredibly proud to have her support, and I’m excited to move our city forward together.