The 2025 Grand Junction municipal election results are now official, following certification by the Mesa County Elections office on April 21st. These results reflect a number of key victories, reshaping the city council and confirming changes to the election schedule.

Key City Council Races and Results

The race outcomes in Grand Junction’s municipal election have now been finalized, and several familiar faces will retain their positions, while new leadership emerges in certain districts.

• District A: Incumbent Cody Kennedy has successfully secured his seat, continuing his tenure on the City Council.

• District D: Laurel Cole claimed victory, marking a significant change for the district with her fresh perspective.

• District E: In a closely watched race, Robert Ballard defeated incumbent Randall Reitz, signaling a potential shift in local priorities.

• At-Large Position: Ben Van Dyke has emerged victorious, earning the chance to serve as one of the city’s representatives at large.

These results not only reflect voter preferences but also highlight a changing political landscape within the city.

Impact of Ballot Questions on Grand Junction’s Future

Alongside the city council elections, two ballot questions were presented to voters, both of which will have lasting effects on the structure of local governance.

• Ballot Question 2A: Voters approved a proposal to move the municipal election to November, aligning it with the general elections. The shift is expected to increase voter turnout and create a more unified electoral process. This change reflects the growing trend of combining local elections with national cycles to bolster civic engagement.

• Ballot Question 2B: The proposal to raise city council members’ salaries was rejected by voters, with the majority voting against the raise. This outcome may reflect concerns about fiscal responsibility or a preference for maintaining the current council compensation structure.

The passing of Question 2A is a particularly important development, as it suggests a trend toward streamlining local elections and possibly drawing higher participation from voters who may have otherwise overlooked municipal races.

Voter Turnout and Engagement

While official turnout figures will be provided later, the inclusion of high-profile races and important ballot questions likely contributed to strong participation in this year’s election. Voter engagement has been a key theme in recent years, with many city leaders emphasizing the importance of having residents involved in the decision-making process.

What’s Next for Grand Junction?

With the election results now certified, attention turns to how the newly elected council members will address the pressing issues facing Grand Junction. From economic development to city infrastructure and public services, these leaders will play a key role in shaping the future of the community. As they take office, residents can expect a variety of policy changes that could impact daily life in the city.

Though the results of the 2025 municipal election were widely anticipated, the election cycle has set the stage for ongoing political debates and discussions, especially with the shift in election timing and the rejection of the council pay raise.