The only person signed up to run to represent Ward Two on the Aurora City Council announced he is withdrawing from the race Tuesday, leaving the ward without any potential candidates.

Before dropping out, Idris Keith, a business attorney, said he intended to invest in Aurora’s neighborhoods and fight to decrease traffic and crime in the city.

“I am no longer a candidate for the Aurora City Council vacancy in Ward II because I want to devote more time to my wife and children,” Keith said. “I wish to thank all of the citizens of Aurora and beyond who placed their confidence in my candidacy, and I remain grateful for their support.”

Previously, Keith ran unsuccessfully for an Arapahoe County Commission seat in 2020, losing to Republican incumbent Jeff Baker by only 167 votes.

Keith announced he was running for the open Ward Two seat in January, less than one day after Councilwoman Nicole Johnston announced she would not be running for re-election in November.

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Johnston, elected to represent Ward Two in 2017, said she is stepping down to move her children to Colorado Springs to be closer to their father. She will begin a new job as project manager of the Community Health Partnership Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

Johnston immediately threw her support behind Keith’s candidacy, telling the Sentinel in January that his understanding of municipal issues is “key to Aurora’s long-term success.”

In the four months since Keith announced his candidacy, no one else has publicly announced their intention to run or filed as a candidate with the City Clerk’s Office.

Since Johnson is resigning from her position on June 14 to begin her new job, Ward Two is also in need of a temporary replacement.

Last week, the city sent out a call for candidates to complete Johnston’s City Council term until the general election in November.

Aurora City Council candidates must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen and a registered voter. Candidates cannot have been convicted of a felony, hold other elective public office or be a salaried employee of the city.

Only one Aurora City Council member signed up to defend their open seat in November

Candidates also must have lived in Aurora and in Ward Two for at least one year.

Ward Two comprises the northeast area of Aurora, including neighborhoods from Buckley Air Force Base to Denver International Airport, and from Star K Ranch to the Colorado Air and Space Port.

Those interested in the temporary position can apply by downloading the application at AuroraGov.org and submitting it to the City Clerk’s Office via email, fax or mail. Questions should be directed to cityclerk@auroragov.org or 303-739-7094.

Candidates who wish to run in the general election must submit petitions to the city to be put on the ballot, with ward candidates requiring 50 signatures.

Applications to temporarily fill the vacant seat will be accepted until May 20. Candidates have until Aug. 24 to file to run in the general City Council election.