John Doyle, Christine Benedetti win Aspen’s runoff election

Four candidates — Emily Kolbe, John Doyle, Christine Benedetti, and Mayor Torre — waited for the results of Aspen’s April 1 runoff election, each hoping to secure one of the two open City Council seats. 

None had achieved the required 45% plus one vote threshold during the March 4 municipal election, sending voters back to the polls to make the final decision.

In the end, Benedetti and Doyle emerged as the top vote-getters. Benedetti received 1,318 votes, Doyle followed with 1,225, Kolbe came in at 1,141, and Torre trailed with 540.

“I am thrilled and very, very excited,” Benedetti said. “I am grateful to the community for showing up and believing in me. I am honored to serve Aspen.”

Benedetti’s campaign emphasized a vision rooted in stewardship and community. A longtime Aspen resident, she has spent the past two decades raising a family in deed-restricted housing, working as a journalist, and serving on various boards and commissions. 

She is vice chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, chairs the board for the Early Learning Center, and is active with the Aspen Historical Society. Throughout her campaign, Benedetti framed herself as a progressive voice, focused on ensuring city policies reflect broad community benefit.

Doyle, who will now serve a second term, has spent more than four decades in Aspen and is known for his hands-on experience and environmental advocacy. His career has included stints in restaurants, on construction sites, operating snowcats, and managing recycling for Aspen Skiing Company. 

A sculptor who lives in the West End, Doyle said his concern for the environment, particularly the effects of climate change on winter sports, is what first motivated him to enter public service.

“I am humbled by this honor to represent the citizens of Aspen,” Doyle said. “I am going to continue to pursue my environmental agenda. It’s at the top of the list because it is connected to everything.”

Aspen City Clerk Nicole Henning reported a smooth election process, with voter participation exceeding expectations. 

“The turnout was way more than we expected,” she said.