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Watson Gomes
Watson Gomes ran for election for an at-large seat of the Aurora City Council in Colorado. He lost in the general election on November 4, 2025.
Gomes completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Watson Gomes earned a graduate degree from the City University New York, Graduate Center and a law degree from Methodist University in 2011. His career experience includes working as an instructor at the Community College of Aurora and as a high school teacher. As of 2025, Gomes was affiliated with Rocky Mountain Prep RISE and the Community College of Aurora and Colorado Rapids.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Aurora, Colorado (2025)
General election
General election for Aurora City Council At-large (2 seats)
Rob Andrews and Alli Jackson defeated incumbent Danielle Jurinsky, incumbent Amsalu Kassaw, and Watson Gomes in the general election for Aurora City Council At-large on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Rob Andrews (Nonpartisan) | 26.6 | 36,802 | |
| ✔ | Alli Jackson (Nonpartisan) | 26.6 | 36,767 | |
| Danielle Jurinsky (Nonpartisan) | 21.2 | 29,273 | ||
| Amsalu Kassaw (Nonpartisan) | 17.3 | 23,916 | ||
| Watson Gomes (Nonpartisan) | 8.4 | 11,577 | ||
| Total votes: 138,335 | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Gomes in this election.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Watson Gomes completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gomes' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m running as an independent voice, because I believe local government should be about people, not parties. Aurora deserves leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and puts residents at the center of every decision. Public safety is a top priority. That means smart policing, supporting mental health, and investing in youth so we prevent problems before they start. Aurora also faces real budget challenges. I will push for fiscal responsibility, cutting waste, attracting businesses, and growing our economy without placing the burden on families. And most importantly, I will fight for opportunity and fairness, so Aurora gets its fair share of investment instead of being overshadowed by Denver. Aurora is one of the most diverse cities in America. If elected, I will work to build bridges, not walls, and bring people together to find solutions that work for all of us.
I would be honored to earn your support.- I’m running to be a bridge for all Aurorans, putting people first, not politics. I’ll work to keep our city safe, grow good-paying jobs,
and ensure responsible budgets that don’t overburden families. Aurora deserves leaders who listen, act with integrity, and build opportunity for everyone. I’d be honored to earn your vote this
November. - Economic Opportunity & Education – Watson Gomes for Aurora City Council At-Large Aurora deserves a city where everyone has access to good-paying jobs and career growth. I will support policies that attract businesses, encourage local entrepreneurship, and expand workforce development programs. Education is key, and I will work to transform the Community College of Aurora into the City University of Aurora, offering more advanced programs and training to prepare residents for high-demand careers. By investing in skills, small businesses, and partnerships, we can create meaningful opportunities and transform our community for all residents.
- Public Safety: A safe Aurora starts with strong community partnerships and smart, effective policing. I will support programs that build trust between law enforcement and neighborhoods while ensuring accountability and transparency. Investing in youth programs, mental health services, and community resources is essential to prevent crime before it happens. Safety isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about giving every resident the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in a secure and welcoming city
Aurora needs affordable, sustainable, and equitable housing. I will empower the city to build, not just regulate, lowering costs and
guaranteeing affordability. We’ll partner with developers through incentives, expedited permitting, and flexible zoning, and expand
down-payment assistance and housing counseling for first-time buyers.
Neighborhoods will be revitalized with housing, small businesses, and green spaces, while preserving historic sites and following
green building standards. I will promote stability with workshops on budgeting and tenant rights, advocate tax relief for seniors and
or federal offices, this role allows officials to make immediate, tangible impacts on public safety, housing, economic development,
and community services. It requires balancing legal responsibilities, budget oversight, and policy-making while staying
accountable to the people. Serving on City Council means being a bridge between the community and government, ensuring that
the best interests of the people. Leaders must genuinely hear the concerns of their constituents, make transparent and ethical
decisions, and avoid corruption or personal gain. Public service is about putting the community first—making choices that improve
making decisions that reflect the community’s needs, and acting as a role model for integrity and accountability. An elected official
must ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, policies are fair, and actions build trust with residents. Leadership means serving
child and all the children growing up in our city. I want them to live in a community where opportunity, fairness, and integrity guide
leadership, where neighborhoods thrive, and where residents feel heard and supported. My goal is to create a city that my child,
continue to guide me in my work today.
fairness, and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. I admire his commitment to justice and his courage to speak up
the importance of community support. It shaped who I am today and drives my commitment to serve others, listen to their
projects—decisions that shape neighborhoods and the city’s long-term growth. Council members also approve budgets, allocate
resources, and set policies that impact public safety, education, and community services. These powers may seem routine, but
they give elected officials the ability to create meaningful change in residents’ daily lives. More people should know that their City
What matters most is a commitment to listening to residents, making ethical decisions, and putting the community first. Fresh
perspectives from independent voices or those outside traditional politics can bring innovative solutions and challenge the status
quo, while still respecting the responsibilities of the office. Ultimately, the ability to serve with integrity, transparency, and
management, and problem-solving. It’s also important to have a deep understanding of community needs, local government
processes, and policy impacts. Strong collaboration and negotiation skills are essential for working with other council members,
city staff, and residents. Ultimately, the ability to make informed decisions with integrity, transparency, and a focus on the best
members set policies, manage budgets, and oversee city services that impact public safety, housing, economic development, and
community well-being. Unlike higher-level offices, this role allows for immediate, tangible impact on neighborhoods and families.
Council members also serve as a bridge between residents and government, ensuring community voices are heard and local
seem more focused on division than on solving real problems. It reminded me that it’s time for our community to come together,
put partisanship aside, and focus on what truly matters: the safety, opportunity, and well-being of every Aurorean. Stories like this
“green” rating. This achievement reflected the hard work of teachers, students, and staff, and showed me the impact of
collaboration, dedication, and focused leadership. It reinforced my belief that with the right support and commitment, positive
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 24, 2025
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