MINDY LEARY
BLACK HAWK — For the first time in more than a decade, Black Hawk voters went to the polls to choose their city leadership.
The April 7, 2026 municipal election marked the first contested race since 2014 in the small mountain town, where a population of roughly 127 residents has often meant seats go uncontested and elections are not required.
This year was different, with 46 ballots cast.
Four candidates ran for the three available four-year seats, while the two-year term was uncontested, with only Cynthia Linker on the ballot.
For the two-year alderman seat, Cynthia Linker received 43 votes.
For the four-year seats, Hal Midcap (incumbent) led with 36 votes, followed by Jim Johnson (incumbent) with 30, René Wiley with 26, and Cherokee Blake with 23. Blake is the only candidate not currently sitting on the council.
Linker and Wiley were both appointed to the council prior to the election to fill vacancies left by the deaths of councilmembers Linda Armbright and Greg Moates. This election marked their first time appearing on the ballot for those seats. All the seats went to the incumbents.
The results are preliminary and will be finalized following canvass and certification, as military and overseas ballots may still be counted.
“Through the grapevine”
The significance of the election was not lost on council members. Speaking at the April 8 City Council meeting, Linker reflected on the rare moment.
“The City hasn’t held a city council election since 2014, and over time I’ve heard through the grapevine that it has been questioned whether the current leadership should continue to reflect the community’s preferences,” she said.
Linker thanked residents for participating and said she believed the results reflected support for the current council. She also recognized the candidates, election judges, and city clerk’s office for their work in carrying out the election.
A small town, a real race
Black Hawk operates under the Colorado Municipal Election Code, with regular elections held every two years. In practice, those elections often get canceled, as the number of candidates typically matches the number of open seats.
This year’s contested race brought candidates who had to campaign, speak with neighbors, and make their case directly to voters.
Cherokee Blake, one of the candidates for a four-year seat, said that connection was the most meaningful part of the experience.
“The best part was spending time talking with residents and hearing directly what matters most to them. Those conversations gave me a deeper insight into the ‘real’ Black Hawk community.”
Blake said the campaign reinforced the importance of engagement in a town of this size. “If you want to serve the citizens of a community, you have to get to know them. In a place as small as Black Hawk, that’s paramount. I came away with an even greater appreciation for reaching out to my neighbors—listening to their perspectives and giving them the opportunity to get to know me and what I stand for. It’s a two-way street.”
Blake received 23 votes. “Of course, it wasn’t the outcome I had hoped for, but I’m grateful for the experience and for everyone who took the time to speak with me and offer their support. I also wish those elected the very best as they take on the responsibility of serving our community.”
She said the experience will keep her engaged moving forward. “This was a very positive and enlightening experience that has only strengthened my desire to stay involved and continue supporting our community however I can. And of course, I’ll be staying busy with my kids, grandbabies, and great-grandbabies.”
Looking ahead
The newly elected and re-elected council members are expected to be sworn in at the next regular Black Hawk City Council meeting on April 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. at City Hall, 211 Church Street.
