Mejía credited the blue wave that swept Colorado on Nov. 3 for helping propel her to victory. Her win keeps the seat vacated by Sarah Parady in progressive hands and marks the latest major victory for the Democratic Socialists of America in Denver, further cementing the group's growing political influence ahead of next year's municipal elections.

She secured a key endorsement from Melat Kiros, who is headed to Congress, and a historic nod from Denver Democrats—the group's first endorsement in a nonpartisan election. Mejía built a coalition of moderates and progressives in just three months.

"People are frustrated with traditional politics," Mejía said. "They want a council that puts working-class residents first."

Mejía's immediate priorities include a tenant rights proposal she helped craft, stronger worker protections, and anti-displacement measures. She says that while council may be "less flashy" than federal offices, decisions about land use, zoning, and city spending carry major consequences for residents.

Preliminary results show Mejía received 69,181 votes. More Denver voters skipped the at-large race than voted for her, a fact she says didn't surprise her given the crowded midterm ballot. Most people her campaign contacted didn't know about the council race, and she suspects the number of races and measures overwhelmed voters.

Mejía will be sworn in on Nov. 30, before the council's regularly scheduled meeting. Her term runs until July 2027.