Residents in Parker, a town in Republican dominated Douglas County, has elected Joshua Rivero, a self-identified independent, to become its next mayor, according to the latest unofficial tally.

Rivero, who is set to become the town’s eighth mayor in mid-December, defeated Republican incumbent Jeff Toborg by two points, 51% to 49%, out of a total 29,967 votes cast.

The town is located roughly 25 miles southeast of downtown Denver.

Rivero, who served on the Parker council for nearly 12 years, told The Denver Gazette on Thursday he felt in the right position to pursue a mayoral run this year.

“What we need at this level is nonpartisan representation,” Rivero said. “What we need is somebody that listens to all of Parker and not just one party.”

Rivero’s campaign highlighted public safety, economic development, town growth and transportation. Parker’s mayor-elect owns two coffee shops within Douglas County. 

“I thank (Parker) for stepping up and putting me in a place that was held by an incumbent, putting me in a place that was held by a strong Republican in Douglas County, and deciding that we need somebody that is Parker. I’m a Parker kid,” Rivero said.

“I’m a Parker business owner, and my passion is this town,” he added.

Toborg, Rivero’s opponent, conceded the race in a statement on Facebook.

“While the election didn’t go as we had hoped, I’m embracing the opportunity to return to private life with renewed enthusiasm,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to our community in new ways that as an elected official were not always easy. There is certainly new freedom to focus on the issues that I passionately believe in. And I am not going anywhere.”

Toborg also thanked the Douglas County GOP, saying the region “continued efforts to champion conservative values in Douglas County. I am proud to be a Republican and always will be.”

When asked what issues he is focusing on, Rivero said he would seek more housing opportunities.

“When I look at housing, I look at as a trivial pursuit board,” he said. “You need all six pieces to win the game. And right now we’re missing two.”

Those two, he said, are elder living units and condominiums for sale for young folks.

One of the keys to make that happen, he said, is to connect with state and local officials and act as a liaison for more housing opportunities in the city.

“The market, again, is inflating because there’s nothing for sale,” the mayor-elect said.

Rivero said he’s excited to start as Parker’s mayor on Dec. 16.

“I will honor Parker residents, and I will do exactly what they ask and represent every single one of my citizens,” Rivero said.