Five Candidates Seeking Four Open Council Seats; Field Dominated by Incumbents
Trevor Phipps
As election fever 2026 heats up nationwide and throughout the state and local region, the Woodland Park city election will go to bat first, with a much-watched contest for those vying for the open mayor and four city council seats.
The outcome of this showdown could determine the future course the city may take in grappling with key issues, such as open space, infrastructure, downtown growth and public safety. Some of these topics dominated a recent council race forum, sponsored by the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce.
These races, and their associated campaigns, are now coming to the final stretch. The city’s ballots were recently mailed out for its regular scheduled April 7 election. In fact, all of the city’s registered voters should have now received their ballots for this pivotal election.
The election this time has received less interest from a competitive standpoint than past political showdowns. But based on social media commentary, this is a vitally important election.
This year, there is only one candidate running for mayor for the first time in over a decade. Moreover, there are only five candidates running for four open seats.
Another fact that makes the 2026 election unusual is that there is a chance that all of the candidates currently running for council seats could eventually find themselves sitting on the dais. Since City Councilman George Jones is the only candidate running for mayor, his seat will open up as soon as he is sworn into the mayoral office, following the election.
If the new city council decides to appoint the candidate with the lowest number of votes to fill Jones’s empty seat, (a system sometimes used in the past) then all competing candidates will become part of the new council. However, city election rules allow for other options, and a forthcoming appointment could require interested contenders to submit a letter of interest and to undergo formal interviews and queries from the public.
Out of the six candidates running for a political seat in Woodland Park only one has never attempted a seat on city council before. Mary Sekowski has been heavily involved in the community for several years, but this is her first time seeking political office in Woodland Park or Teller County. (see related article) All of the other five candidates are currently serving terms, which soon will expire, or have a strong political presence in the community.
Since Councilman Jones is basically secure as the city’s next mayor since he is running unopposed, the following is a look at four familiar faces who are searching for votes to earn a seat on city council.
Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Nakai
Nakai has been a familiar face at city council as she has served on the dais since July 2021 when she was appointed. She then ran for election and won a four-year term in April 2022.
“Looking ahead, I am focused on continued debt reduction, pursuing a reliever route, and ensuring Woodland Park remains a great place to live, work, and play,” Nakai’s bio states. “I strongly believe in preserving our community’s heritage while thoughtfully planning for the future needs of residents and businesses. Fiscal responsibility is a core value of mine—paying off debt early whenever possible without sacrificing essential city services.”
City Councilman Jeffrey Geer
Geer has lived in Woodland Park since 2020 and has served on the city council since the April 2024 election. In his biography posted on the city’s website, the councilman states that he is proud of several key projects the city has accomplished in the last two years, including the completion of the Meadow Wood Master Plan, the Bergstrom Park Master Plan.
“I care deeply about inclusiveness and creating a community where all people can feel safe and proudly call home,” Geer’s bio said. “We have many big challenges ahead of us but the only way we’re going to solve them and persevere is together. What will not change though is who I am, and my core values which are rooted in honesty, integrity, and compassion.”
City Councilman Seth Bryant
Bryant first made headlines when he ran against the incumbent “conservative” school board slate during the 2023 school board election, but lost in a close race. Since then, he has stayed deeply involved in government matters, and has been on city council since last April, following the resignation of former Councilwoman Teri Baldwin. Bryant was appointed to fill Baldwin’s remaining term.
“I will be available for all conversations, even the hard ones, in good-faith,” Bryant said in his bio. “My votes will always be motivated by the best interests of Woodland Park, even if they may not be in my best interest. I will put this community first in my work and will be accountable to you, my neighbors.”
Planning Commission Member Don Dezellem
Dezellem is also quite a familiar face at council meetings as he attends every single one. Dezellem currently serves on the Woodland Park Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
“When elected I will work at fostering an environment of transparency, respectfulness, cooperation, and integrity,” Dezellem said on the city’s website. “I will treat citizens, stake holders, council members, and city staff with respect and listen to their point of view. My decisions will be based on the information provided to all council by staff, public comment, and whether it is the proper role of government.”
The clock is ticking for those who have not yet mailed in their ballots.
Election ballots can be accepted by registered WP voters at city hall up until 7 p.m. on April 7.
