House District 15

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Federal

U.S. Senator

  • Michael Bennet photo
    Democrat

    Michael Bennet

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  • Incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet joined the U.S. Senate in 2009 after Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter appointed him to succeed Sen. Ken Salazar after Salazar was appointed Secretary of the Interior by President Barack Obama. Prior to his appointment, Bennet served as Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, presiding over increased student enrollment and graduation rates.

    Sen. Bennet won his first full term in office in the close 2010 election against Rep. Ken Buck. In 2013, Bennet played a key role as a member of the Gang of Eight in the passage of comprehensive immigration reform out of the U.S. Senate. In twelve years of service in the Senate, Sen. Bennet has been a consistent supporter of voting rights, abortion rights, nondiscrimination and LGBTQ+ rights, reducing gun violence, environmental protection and confronting human-caused climate change, and ending the failed War on Drugs.

    Sen. Bennet's signature policy achievement in office came with the March 2021 passage of the Child Tax Credit expansion as part of the American Rescue Plan. The expanded Child Tax Credit resulted in an historic reduction in child poverty for the one-year period in which the program was fully funded. Sen. Bennet's top priority in 2023 is to make the Child Tax Credit expansion permanent. In 2019, Sen. Bennet joined with Republican Sen. Mitt Romney to call for a universal basic income standard for children.

    Sen. Bennet can negotiate with Republicans across the aisle and influence policy with the Democratic Senate majority and the White House. Bennet was the driving force behind President Joe Biden's establishment of a new national monument at Camp Hale and drilling protections in the ecologically sensitive Thompson Divide.

    Sen. Bennet's opponent, concrete executive Joe O'Dea, tried and failed to hide his far-right agenda from Colorado voters. During the Republican primary, O'Dea claimed to be "personally very pro-life," and proudly admitted after winning the nomination that he was a supporter of Proposition 115, an abortion restriction measure that failed overwhelmingly in 2020. Despite this, O'Dea has falsely claimed to be "pro choice" in deceptive campaign ads. O'Dea was proud to claim the support of members of the Trump administration during the primary, then tried to back away from Trump after winning the nomination.

    The contrast between Michael Bennet's record of service and policy wins in the U.S. Senate and Joe O'Dea's empty promises concealing a right-wing agenda could not be greater. Bennet is the clear progressive choice.

    Michael Bennet

    Incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet joined the U.S. Senate in 2009 after Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter appointed him to succeed Sen. Ken Salazar after Salazar was appointed Secretary of the Interior by President Barack Obama.

    Incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet joined the U.S. Senate in 2009 after Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter appointed him to succeed Sen. Ken Salazar after Salazar was appointed Secretary of the Interior by President Barack Obama. Prior to his appointment, Bennet served as Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, presiding over increased student enrollment and graduation rates.

    Sen. Bennet won his first full term in office in the close 2010 election against Rep. Ken Buck. In 2013, Bennet played a key role as a member of the Gang of Eight in the passage of comprehensive immigration reform out of the U.S. Senate. In twelve years of service in the Senate, Sen. Bennet has been a consistent supporter of voting rights, abortion rights, nondiscrimination and LGBTQ+ rights, reducing gun violence, environmental protection and confronting human-caused climate change, and ending the failed War on Drugs.

    Sen. Bennet's signature policy achievement in office came with the March 2021 passage of the Child Tax Credit expansion as part of the American Rescue Plan. The expanded Child Tax Credit resulted in an historic reduction in child poverty for the one-year period in which the program was fully funded. Sen. Bennet's top priority in 2023 is to make the Child Tax Credit expansion permanent. In 2019, Sen. Bennet joined with Republican Sen. Mitt Romney to call for a universal basic income standard for children.

    Sen. Bennet can negotiate with Republicans across the aisle and influence policy with the Democratic Senate majority and the White House. Bennet was the driving force behind President Joe Biden's establishment of a new national monument at Camp Hale and drilling protections in the ecologically sensitive Thompson Divide.

    Sen. Bennet's opponent, concrete executive Joe O'Dea, tried and failed to hide his far-right agenda from Colorado voters. During the Republican primary, O'Dea claimed to be "personally very pro-life," and proudly admitted after winning the nomination that he was a supporter of Proposition 115, an abortion restriction measure that failed overwhelmingly in 2020. Despite this, O'Dea has falsely claimed to be "pro choice" in deceptive campaign ads. O'Dea was proud to claim the support of members of the Trump administration during the primary, then tried to back away from Trump after winning the nomination.

    The contrast between Michael Bennet's record of service and policy wins in the U.S. Senate and Joe O'Dea's empty promises concealing a right-wing agenda could not be greater. Bennet is the clear progressive choice.

    Michael Bennet

    Incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet joined the U.S. Senate in 2009 after Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter appointed him to succeed Sen. Ken Salazar after Salazar was appointed Secretary of the Interior by President Barack Obama.

5th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • David Torres photo
    Democrat

    David Torres

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  • David Torres is the progressive candidate running in Colorado's 5th Congressional District against the far-right conservative incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn. Torres grew up in Colorado Springs and served in the Air Force Reserves at Petersen Air Force Base. A political newcomer, Torres is focused on helping veterans, reducing gun violence, and making education and health care accessible to all.

    Torres' opponent, incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn, is a reliable vote for the far-right agenda who has recently became ensnared in ethics investigations over his misuse of staff for personal errands and even allowing his son to live rent-free in a U.S. Capitol storage lot. Despite Lamborn's slavish devotion to Donald Trump, Trump chose to move the U.S. Space Command away from Colorado Springs to reward more reliable supporters in Alabama. Rep. Lamborn was also one of the members of Congress who voted against certification of President Joe Biden's victory on January 6th, 2021.

    Rep. Lamborn is a prime example of safe-seat corruption and contempt for the dignity of their office. David Torres would be a welcome and long-overdue change in the 5th Congressional District's leadership.

    David Torres

    David Torres is the progressive candidate running in Colorado's 5th Congressional District against the far-right conservative incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn. Torres grew up in Colorado Springs and served in the Air Force Reserves at Petersen Air Force Base. A political newcomer, Torres is focused on helping veterans, reducing gun violence, and making education and health care accessible to all.

    Torres' opponent, incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn, is a reliable vote for the far-right agenda who has recently became ensnared in ethics investigations over his misuse of staff for personal errands and even allowing his son to live rent-free in a U.S. Capitol storage lot. Despite Lamborn's slavish devotion to Donald Trump, Trump chose to move the U.S. Space Command away from Colorado Springs to reward more reliable supporters in Alabama. Rep. Lamborn was also one of the members of Congress who voted against certification of President Joe Biden's victory on January 6th, 2021.

    Rep. Lamborn is a prime example of safe-seat corruption and contempt for the dignity of their office. David Torres would be a welcome and long-overdue change in the 5th Congressional District's leadership.

    David Torres is the progressive candidate running in Colorado's 5th Congressional District against the far-right conservative incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn. Torres grew up in Colorado Springs and served in the Air Force Reserves at Petersen Air Force Base. A political newcomer, Torres is focused on helping veterans, reducing gun violence, and making education and health care accessible to all.

    Torres' opponent, incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn, is a reliable vote for the far-right agenda who has recently became ensnared in ethics investigations over his misuse of staff for personal errands and even allowing his son to live rent-free in a U.S. Capitol storage lot. Despite Lamborn's slavish devotion to Donald Trump, Trump chose to move the U.S. Space Command away from Colorado Springs to reward more reliable supporters in Alabama. Rep. Lamborn was also one of the members of Congress who voted against certification of President Joe Biden's victory on January 6th, 2021.

    Rep. Lamborn is a prime example of safe-seat corruption and contempt for the dignity of their office. David Torres would be a welcome and long-overdue change in the 5th Congressional District's leadership.

    David Torres

    David Torres is the progressive candidate running in Colorado's 5th Congressional District against the far-right conservative incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn. Torres grew up in Colorado Springs and served in the Air Force Reserves at Petersen Air Force Base. A political newcomer, Torres is focused on helping veterans, reducing gun violence, and making education and health care accessible to all.

    Torres' opponent, incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn, is a reliable vote for the far-right agenda who has recently became ensnared in ethics investigations over his misuse of staff for personal errands and even allowing his son to live rent-free in a U.S. Capitol storage lot. Despite Lamborn's slavish devotion to Donald Trump, Trump chose to move the U.S. Space Command away from Colorado Springs to reward more reliable supporters in Alabama. Rep. Lamborn was also one of the members of Congress who voted against certification of President Joe Biden's victory on January 6th, 2021.

    Rep. Lamborn is a prime example of safe-seat corruption and contempt for the dignity of their office. David Torres would be a welcome and long-overdue change in the 5th Congressional District's leadership.

Statewide

Governor and Lt. Governor

  • Jared Polis and Diane Primavera photo
    Democrat

    Jared Polis and Diane Primavera

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  • Incumbent Gov. Jared Polis' record of public service to the state of Colorado goes back over two decades to his election in 2000 to serve as at-large member of the Colorado State Board of Education. After helping found the New America Schools to serve recent immigrant students focused on English language instruction, Polis was elected in 2008 to represent Colorado's 2nd Congressional District, succeeding Mark Udall who was elected to the U.S. Senate that year.

    In the U.S. House, Polis was a strong advocate for health care and immigration reform, serving on the House Education, Natural Resources, and Rules Committees. Polis received an 89% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters after leading the fight for a variety of important environmental reform initiatives including reducing methane pollution, protecting clean water resources, and addressing the threat of human-caused global climate change.

    Elected to his first term as Governor of Colorado in 2018, Polis quickly went to work with the progressive majority in the Colorado General Assembly to successfully enact a comprehensive agenda of health care reform, inclusive economic development, education funding, anti-discrimination and equal wage protections, and environmental justice legislation. Senate Bill 19-181, a fossil fuel extraction reform measure, fundamentally changed the purpose of Colorado's oil and gas oversight authorities to prioritize public health and environmental protection over industry profits.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Polis' leadership and deliberate work to minimize partisan conflict with the Trump administration helped the state reduce economic harm while keeping the state's overall death rate from the pandemic well below the national average. Once the threat of the pandemic's spread without vaccines and effective treatments was past, Polis was at the head of the curve nationally in working to re-open Colorado's economy.

    Polis' opponent, University of Colorado Regent Heidi Ganahl, is the only remaining statewide Republican elected official after years of losses in recent elections. Ganahl described herself as "The MAGA candidate Colorado has been waiting for," and is by for the most openly pro-Trump candidate on the statewide ballot in Colorado. As CU Regent, Ganahl enthusiastically supported Trump coup plotter John Eastman's paid appointment as the school's "Visiting Conservative Scholar." Ganahl's campaign has employed key members of Trump's former legal team. Ganahl's platform of slashing state revenue while promising to pay for crucial state services has been widely denounced as unrealistic. As governor, Ganahl has pledged to roll back recently-passed legislation protecting abortion rights in Colorado.

    Jared Polis has served the state of Colorado with distinction during one of the greatest period of crisis in the entire nation's history. The choice between Polis and Ganahl's Trump-style bad faith could not be easier. Polis deserves your vote.
    Incumbent Gov. Jared Polis' record of public service to the state of Colorado goes back over two decades to his election in 2000 to serve as at-large member of the Colorado State Board of Education. After helping found the New America Schools to serve recent immigrant students focused on English language instruction, Polis was elected in 2008 to represent Colorado's 2nd Congressional District, succeeding Mark Udall who was elected to the U.S. Senate that year.

    In the U.S. House, Polis was a strong advocate for health care and immigration reform, serving on the House Education, Natural Resources, and Rules Committees. Polis received an 89% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters after leading the fight for a variety of important environmental reform initiatives including reducing methane pollution, protecting clean water resources, and addressing the threat of human-caused global climate change.

    Elected to his first term as Governor of Colorado in 2018, Polis quickly went to work with the progressive majority in the Colorado General Assembly to successfully enact a comprehensive agenda of health care reform, inclusive economic development, education funding, anti-discrimination and equal wage protections, and environmental justice legislation. Senate Bill 19-181, a fossil fuel extraction reform measure, fundamentally changed the purpose of Colorado's oil and gas oversight authorities to prioritize public health and environmental protection over industry profits.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Polis' leadership and deliberate work to minimize partisan conflict with the Trump administration helped the state reduce economic harm while keeping the state's overall death rate from the pandemic well below the national average. Once the threat of the pandemic's spread without vaccines and effective treatments was past, Polis was at the head of the curve nationally in working to re-open Colorado's economy.

    Polis' opponent, University of Colorado Regent Heidi Ganahl, is the only remaining statewide Republican elected official after years of losses in recent elections. Ganahl described herself as "The MAGA candidate Colorado has been waiting for," and is by for the most openly pro-Trump candidate on the statewide ballot in Colorado. As CU Regent, Ganahl enthusiastically supported Trump coup plotter John Eastman's paid appointment as the school's "Visiting Conservative Scholar." Ganahl's campaign has employed key members of Trump's former legal team. Ganahl's platform of slashing state revenue while promising to pay for crucial state services has been widely denounced as unrealistic. As governor, Ganahl has pledged to roll back recently-passed legislation protecting abortion rights in Colorado.

    Jared Polis has served the state of Colorado with distinction during one of the greatest period of crisis in the entire nation's history. The choice between Polis and Ganahl's Trump-style bad faith could not be easier. Polis deserves your vote.

Secretary of State

  • Jena Griswold photo
    Democrat

    Jena Griswold

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  • Incumbent Secretary of State Jena Griswold is an attorney with experience in voting rights and accessibility. Before winning office in 2018, Griswold served as the director of Gov. John Hickenlooper's federal liaison in Washington, D.C. and as an attorney for President Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

    As Secretary of State, Griswold has overseen elections featuring some of the highest rates of voter participation in America, while defending Colorado's gold standard mail ballot election system from repeated baseless attacks from President Donald Trump and election conspiracy theorists. Griswold conducted the initial investigation into a breach of election security by Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters that resulted in numerous felony charges against Peters.

    Griswold's opponent, former Jefferson County Clerk Pam Anderson, severely damaged her once-commendable reputation for standing up to right-wing misinformation by campaigning with Republicans who dispute the results of the 2020 elections. Anderson has refused to condemn election deniers who support her campaign, claiming that would “divide or ostracize people.” Less than two years after Donald Trump's attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential elections, Coloradans cannot responsibly entrust Pam Anderson and the Party of Trump with control over our elections.

    Secretary Griswold is the clear progressive choice in this important statewide race.

    Jena Griswold

    Incumbent Secretary of State Jena Griswold is an attorney with experience in voting rights and accessibility. Before winning office in 2018, Griswold served as the director of Gov. John Hickenlooper's federal liaison in Washington, D.C.

    Incumbent Secretary of State Jena Griswold is an attorney with experience in voting rights and accessibility. Before winning office in 2018, Griswold served as the director of Gov. John Hickenlooper's federal liaison in Washington, D.C. and as an attorney for President Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

    As Secretary of State, Griswold has overseen elections featuring some of the highest rates of voter participation in America, while defending Colorado's gold standard mail ballot election system from repeated baseless attacks from President Donald Trump and election conspiracy theorists. Griswold conducted the initial investigation into a breach of election security by Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters that resulted in numerous felony charges against Peters.

    Griswold's opponent, former Jefferson County Clerk Pam Anderson, severely damaged her once-commendable reputation for standing up to right-wing misinformation by campaigning with Republicans who dispute the results of the 2020 elections. Anderson has refused to condemn election deniers who support her campaign, claiming that would “divide or ostracize people.” Less than two years after Donald Trump's attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential elections, Coloradans cannot responsibly entrust Pam Anderson and the Party of Trump with control over our elections.

    Secretary Griswold is the clear progressive choice in this important statewide race.

    Jena Griswold

    Incumbent Secretary of State Jena Griswold is an attorney with experience in voting rights and accessibility. Before winning office in 2018, Griswold served as the director of Gov. John Hickenlooper's federal liaison in Washington, D.C.

Treasurer

  • Dave Young photo
    Democrat

    Dave Young

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  • Incumbent Treasurer Dave Young is running for his second term as Colorado Treasurer after winning office in 2018. Prior to Young's election as Treasurer, he served as a state legislature representing House District 50 in Weld County. In the legislature, Young served on the powerful Joint Budget Committee and chaired the House Appropriations Committee, some of the most important fiscal posts in the General Assembly. On the JBC, Young worked across the aisle each year to hammer out the state's most important annual piece of legislation, the "Long Bill" general fund budget. In 2013, Young helped communities he represents recover from that year's devastating floods.

    As Treasurer, Young worked closely with Gov. Jared Polis to successfully manage the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on keeping Colorado's small business afloat during the worst of the crisis and swiftly reopening Colorado's economy once it was safe to do so. Young has also worked to streamline and expedite payments to Colorado property owners under the Great Colorado Payback program.

    Young's opponent is Lang Sias, a perennial candidate for a variety of elected offices in Colorado who most recently lost the election to serve as lieutenant governor under Walker Stapleton in 2018. While serving in the U.S. Navy, Lang Sias attended a pilot's convention known as "Tailhook" in 1991 that resulted in nationwide scandal, with allegations of sexual assault committed against 83 women and seven men. Currently a FedEx pilot, Sias' run for this office is due to its availability, not Sias' fiscal policy experience.

    Re-electing Treasurer Dave Young should be one of the easiest choices on this year's ballot.

    Dave Young

    Incumbent Treasurer Dave Young is running for his second term as Colorado Treasurer after winning office in 2018. Prior to Young's election as Treasurer, he served as a state legislature representing House District 50 in Weld County.

    Incumbent Treasurer Dave Young is running for his second term as Colorado Treasurer after winning office in 2018. Prior to Young's election as Treasurer, he served as a state legislature representing House District 50 in Weld County. In the legislature, Young served on the powerful Joint Budget Committee and chaired the House Appropriations Committee, some of the most important fiscal posts in the General Assembly. On the JBC, Young worked across the aisle each year to hammer out the state's most important annual piece of legislation, the "Long Bill" general fund budget. In 2013, Young helped communities he represents recover from that year's devastating floods.

    As Treasurer, Young worked closely with Gov. Jared Polis to successfully manage the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on keeping Colorado's small business afloat during the worst of the crisis and swiftly reopening Colorado's economy once it was safe to do so. Young has also worked to streamline and expedite payments to Colorado property owners under the Great Colorado Payback program.

    Young's opponent is Lang Sias, a perennial candidate for a variety of elected offices in Colorado who most recently lost the election to serve as lieutenant governor under Walker Stapleton in 2018. While serving in the U.S. Navy, Lang Sias attended a pilot's convention known as "Tailhook" in 1991 that resulted in nationwide scandal, with allegations of sexual assault committed against 83 women and seven men. Currently a FedEx pilot, Sias' run for this office is due to its availability, not Sias' fiscal policy experience.

    Re-electing Treasurer Dave Young should be one of the easiest choices on this year's ballot.

    Dave Young

    Incumbent Treasurer Dave Young is running for his second term as Colorado Treasurer after winning office in 2018. Prior to Young's election as Treasurer, he served as a state legislature representing House District 50 in Weld County.

Attorney General

  • Phil Weiser photo
    Democrat

    Phil Weiser

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  • Incumbent Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is seeking his second term after winning office in 2018. Prior to serving as Colorado Attorney General, Weiser served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Justice Department during the Obama administration. Weiser also served as a senior counsel at the Justice Department Antitrust Division during the Clinton Administration. Early in his career, Weiser served as a law clerk for Justices Byron White and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

    As Colorado's Attorney General, Weiser has fought to defend Colorado's historic recent progress on health care reform, protecting consumers from exploitation, anti-discrimination laws and Colorado's gold standard election system. Weiser was a nationwide leader in holding drug manufacturers accountable for their role in the opioid addiction crisis, as well as legal action to forgive the student loans of thousands of victims of predatory lenders and scam for-profit colleges.

    Weiser's opponent is District Attorney John Kellner, who succeeded George Brauchler as Arapahoe County DA after Brauchler lost his race for Attorney General in 2018. Kellner's dishonest attacks on Weiser over Colorado's crime rate ignore the stark increase that has occurred in Kellner's own district during the same period. Kellner has expressed his support for the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, and has promised to "support Colorado law" despite his fellow Republicans' determination to repeal Colorado laws protecting abortion rights.

    Phil Weiser has done an examplary job as the state's chief attorney, and has earned a second term in office.

    Phil Weiser

    Incumbent Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is seeking his second term after winning office in 2018. Prior to serving as Colorado Attorney General, Weiser served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Justice Department during the Obama administration.

    Incumbent Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is seeking his second term after winning office in 2018. Prior to serving as Colorado Attorney General, Weiser served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Justice Department during the Obama administration. Weiser also served as a senior counsel at the Justice Department Antitrust Division during the Clinton Administration. Early in his career, Weiser served as a law clerk for Justices Byron White and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

    As Colorado's Attorney General, Weiser has fought to defend Colorado's historic recent progress on health care reform, protecting consumers from exploitation, anti-discrimination laws and Colorado's gold standard election system. Weiser was a nationwide leader in holding drug manufacturers accountable for their role in the opioid addiction crisis, as well as legal action to forgive the student loans of thousands of victims of predatory lenders and scam for-profit colleges.

    Weiser's opponent is District Attorney John Kellner, who succeeded George Brauchler as Arapahoe County DA after Brauchler lost his race for Attorney General in 2018. Kellner's dishonest attacks on Weiser over Colorado's crime rate ignore the stark increase that has occurred in Kellner's own district during the same period. Kellner has expressed his support for the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, and has promised to "support Colorado law" despite his fellow Republicans' determination to repeal Colorado laws protecting abortion rights.

    Phil Weiser has done an examplary job as the state's chief attorney, and has earned a second term in office.

    Phil Weiser

    Incumbent Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is seeking his second term after winning office in 2018. Prior to serving as Colorado Attorney General, Weiser served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Justice Department during the Obama administration.

State Board of Education, At-Large

Board of Education, At-Large

  • Kathy Plomer photo
    Democrat

    Kathy Plomer

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  • Kathy Plomar has been heavily invested in public education as former President of the Adams 12 Board of Education and former President of the Parent Teacher Organization. Plomar believes in bringing people together with different life experiences to ensure all kids receive an excellent education. Plomar lists three key priorities that will define her work as an at-large State Board of Education member: academic excellence, respecting teachers, and transparency and accountability. Plomar is a solid progressive choice for the State Board of Education.

    The Republican candidate for this seat is Dan Maloit, a parent of three and a medical device sales manager. Maloit recently became involved in politics when he organized for the reopening of schools for full-time, in-person learning in August of 2020, before the development of any COVID-19 vaccines or effective treatments. We recommend voting for Plomar.

    Kathy Plomer

    Kathy Plomar has been heavily invested in public education as former President of the Adams 12 Board of Education and former President of the Parent Teacher Organization.

    Kathy Plomar has been heavily invested in public education as former President of the Adams 12 Board of Education and former President of the Parent Teacher Organization. Plomar believes in bringing people together with different life experiences to ensure all kids receive an excellent education. Plomar lists three key priorities that will define her work as an at-large State Board of Education member: academic excellence, respecting teachers, and transparency and accountability. Plomar is a solid progressive choice for the State Board of Education.

    The Republican candidate for this seat is Dan Maloit, a parent of three and a medical device sales manager. Maloit recently became involved in politics when he organized for the reopening of schools for full-time, in-person learning in August of 2020, before the development of any COVID-19 vaccines or effective treatments. We recommend voting for Plomar.

    Kathy Plomer

    Kathy Plomar has been heavily invested in public education as former President of the Adams 12 Board of Education and former President of the Parent Teacher Organization.

Board of Education, 5th Congressional District

Board of Education, 5th Congressional District

  • Joseph Shelton photo
    Democrat

    Joseph Shelton

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  • Joseph Shelton is an emerging leader born and raised in Colorado Springs. Shelton first ran for office in 2019 when he was seeking a seat on the Colorado Springs School District 11. He was a student activist when his local school in Colorado Springs was closed down. For Shelton, running for State Board of Education is about creating a future-ready environment for all students. Shelton is the clear progressive choice.

    Steven Durham, the Republican incumbent, is an advocate for charter schools. Over the past year and a half, Durham has worked to have the state's academic standards connect the Holocaust to socialism. A first draft of the standards was created in which Durham succeeded in omitting the word Nazi in favor of the full name of the party, which is the National Socialist German Workers Party. More recently Durham voted in favor of the “American Birthright” framework, a set of social studies standards modeled after Florida's guidelines and created by a conservative education coalition. The education system does not need Steve Durham and his twisted ideas.

    We strongly recommend Joseph Shelton.

    Joseph Shelton

    Joseph Shelton is an emerging leader born and raised in Colorado Springs. Shelton first ran for office in 2019 when he was seeking a seat on the Colorado Springs School District 11. He was a student activist when his local school in Colorado Springs was closed down.

    Joseph Shelton is an emerging leader born and raised in Colorado Springs. Shelton first ran for office in 2019 when he was seeking a seat on the Colorado Springs School District 11. He was a student activist when his local school in Colorado Springs was closed down. For Shelton, running for State Board of Education is about creating a future-ready environment for all students. Shelton is the clear progressive choice.

    Steven Durham, the Republican incumbent, is an advocate for charter schools. Over the past year and a half, Durham has worked to have the state's academic standards connect the Holocaust to socialism. A first draft of the standards was created in which Durham succeeded in omitting the word Nazi in favor of the full name of the party, which is the National Socialist German Workers Party. More recently Durham voted in favor of the “American Birthright” framework, a set of social studies standards modeled after Florida's guidelines and created by a conservative education coalition. The education system does not need Steve Durham and his twisted ideas.

    We strongly recommend Joseph Shelton.

    Joseph Shelton

    Joseph Shelton is an emerging leader born and raised in Colorado Springs. Shelton first ran for office in 2019 when he was seeking a seat on the Colorado Springs School District 11. He was a student activist when his local school in Colorado Springs was closed down.

University of Colorado Board of Regents

CU Regent, 5th Congressional District

No Recommendation

Ron Casados and Ken Montera are running for the office of CU Regent for Congressional District 5. Casados has no campaign website, social media, or any visible web presence. Montera, the Republican incumbent appointed by Governor Polis in January, 2022, is a former corporate executive for a number of Fortune 500 companies.

We do not have a recommended candidate for this race.

Ron Casados

Ron Casados and Ken Montera are running for the office of CU Regent for Congressional District 5. Casados has no campaign website, social media, or any visible web presence.

State Senate

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

Senator, District 9

State Senator

  • Arik Dougherty photo
    Democrat

    Arik Dougherty

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  • Arik Dougherty is a cybersecurity expert from Colorado Springs running to represent Colorado's 9th Senate District. He supports women's choice to have an abortion and says he will work to protect the Reproductive Health Equity Act. Fire mitigation and water conservation are listed as his top two environmental issues. He also supports access to public education and higher education and hopes to work on policies related to affordable housing. Arik Dougherty represents Colorado values and is a solid progressive choice.

    Arik Dougherty

    Arik Dougherty is a cybersecurity expert from Colorado Springs running to represent Colorado's 9th Senate District. He supports women's choice to have an abortion and says he will work to protect the Reproductive Health Equity Act. Fire mitigation and water conservation are listed as his top two environmental issues. He also supports access to public education and higher education and hopes to work on policies related to affordable housing. Arik Dougherty represents Colorado values and is a solid progressive choice.

    Arik Dougherty is a cybersecurity expert from Colorado Springs running to represent Colorado's 9th Senate District. He supports women's choice to have an abortion and says he will work to protect the Reproductive Health Equity Act. Fire mitigation and water conservation are listed as his top two environmental issues. He also supports access to public education and higher education and hopes to work on policies related to affordable housing. Arik Dougherty represents Colorado values and is a solid progressive choice.

    Arik Dougherty

    Arik Dougherty is a cybersecurity expert from Colorado Springs running to represent Colorado's 9th Senate District. He supports women's choice to have an abortion and says he will work to protect the Reproductive Health Equity Act. Fire mitigation and water conservation are listed as his top two environmental issues. He also supports access to public education and higher education and hopes to work on policies related to affordable housing. Arik Dougherty represents Colorado values and is a solid progressive choice.

Senator, District 11

State Senator

  • Tony Exum photo
    Democrat

    Tony Exum

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  • Representative Tony Exum Sr. is running for Colorado Senate District 11. He is the current Representative for House District 17 from Colorado Springs. Representative Exum retired as battalion chief in the Colorado Springs Fire Department after 35 years of service. He hopes to continue his record of supporting health care access and affordability, and public education. Exum is a proven leader. He has committed his life to service and will put Colorado families first. Representative Exum is the progressive choice for Senate District 11.

    Dennis Hisey is the conservative Republican candidate opposed to public education.

    Tony Exum

    Representative Tony Exum Sr. is running for Colorado Senate District 11. He is the current Representative for House District 17 from Colorado Springs. Representative Exum retired as battalion chief in the Colorado Springs Fire Department after 35 years of service. He hopes to continue his record of supporting health care access and affordability, and public education. Exum is a proven leader. He has committed his life to service and will put Colorado families first. Representative Exum is the progressive choice for Senate District 11.

    Dennis Hisey is the conservative Republican candidate opposed to public education.

    Representative Tony Exum Sr. is running for Colorado Senate District 11. He is the current Representative for House District 17 from Colorado Springs. Representative Exum retired as battalion chief in the Colorado Springs Fire Department after 35 years of service. He hopes to continue his record of supporting health care access and affordability, and public education. Exum is a proven leader. He has committed his life to service and will put Colorado families first. Representative Exum is the progressive choice for Senate District 11.

    Dennis Hisey is the conservative Republican candidate opposed to public education.

    Tony Exum

    Representative Tony Exum Sr. is running for Colorado Senate District 11. He is the current Representative for House District 17 from Colorado Springs. Representative Exum retired as battalion chief in the Colorado Springs Fire Department after 35 years of service. He hopes to continue his record of supporting health care access and affordability, and public education. Exum is a proven leader. He has committed his life to service and will put Colorado families first. Representative Exum is the progressive choice for Senate District 11.

    Dennis Hisey is the conservative Republican candidate opposed to public education.

Representative, District 15

State Representative

  • Alvin Sexton photo
    Democrat

    Alvin Sexton

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  • Alvin Sexton is running to represent Colorado House District 15. Sexton is originally from Tennessee and was raised by a blue collar single father. He strongly identifies with the trades, unions, and the working class. He went to a trade school, and finished his political science degree before moving to Colorado Springs with his wife. He has democratic values and is the progressive choice for House District 15.

    Alvin Sexton

    Alvin Sexton is running to represent Colorado House District 15. Sexton is originally from Tennessee and was raised by a blue collar single father. He strongly identifies with the trades, unions, and the working class.

    Alvin Sexton is running to represent Colorado House District 15. Sexton is originally from Tennessee and was raised by a blue collar single father. He strongly identifies with the trades, unions, and the working class. He went to a trade school, and finished his political science degree before moving to Colorado Springs with his wife. He has democratic values and is the progressive choice for House District 15.

    Alvin Sexton

    Alvin Sexton is running to represent Colorado House District 15. Sexton is originally from Tennessee and was raised by a blue collar single father. He strongly identifies with the trades, unions, and the working class.

    • Endorsed By: Colorado AFL-CIO

Statewide Ballot Measures

Amendment #D

  • No Position

    No Recommendation

  • Until 2022, Colorado's 18th Judicial District was comprised of Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties. The Colorado state Legislature passed House Bill 1026 (HB 1026) in 2020, which split the 18th Judicial District, moving Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties to the new 23rd Judicial District on January 7, 2025. The 23rd Judicial District will include eight judges.

    Amendment D would direct the governor to assign judges from the 18th Judicial District to the new 23rd Judicial District by November 30, 2024. These judges would be required to establish residence in the new judicial district by January 7, 2025.

    Amendment D needs 55% of the votes cast to be "yes" votes to pass.
    Until 2022, Colorado's 18th Judicial District was comprised of Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties. The Colorado state Legislature passed House Bill 1026 (HB 1026) in 2020, which split the 18th Judicial District, moving Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties to the new 23rd Judicial District on January 7, 2025. The 23rd Judicial District will include eight judges.

    Amendment D would direct the governor to assign judges from the 18th Judicial District to the new 23rd Judicial District by November 30, 2024. These judges would be required to establish residence in the new judicial district by January 7, 2025.

    Amendment D needs 55% of the votes cast to be "yes" votes to pass.

Amendment #E

  • No Position

    No Recommendation

  • Colorado offers special property tax exemptions for veterans with permanently disabilities. Amendment E would extend this benefit to the surviving spouse of a U.S. Armed Forces members who died while serving in the military or from a service-related injury or disease.
    Colorado offers special property tax exemptions for veterans with permanently disabilities. Amendment E would extend this benefit to the surviving spouse of a U.S. Armed Forces members who died while serving in the military or from a service-related injury or disease.

Amendment #F

  • No Position

    No Recommendation

  • Amendment F if passed, would repeal a ban that limited managers and operators of charitable gaming activities (like bingo, pull-tab games, and raffles to fundraise) of making more than minimum wage until July 1st, 2024. Previously, organizations had to exist for a longer amount of time in order to obtain their charitable gaming license - often used to fundraise for the organization.

    This amendment gives state lawmakers and the legislature the authority to determine how long an organization must exist before obtaining a charitable gaming license after January 1, 2025. Currently, organizations must have existed for five years to get a license and Amendment F reduces that time to three years. The forms of charitable gaming listed above in parenthesis are commonly used by smaller organizations and often, women of color led organizations.
    Amendment F if passed, would repeal a ban that limited managers and operators of charitable gaming activities (like bingo, pull-tab games, and raffles to fundraise) of making more than minimum wage until July 1st, 2024. Previously, organizations had to exist for a longer amount of time in order to obtain their charitable gaming license - often used to fundraise for the organization.

    This amendment gives state lawmakers and the legislature the authority to determine how long an organization must exist before obtaining a charitable gaming license after January 1, 2025. Currently, organizations must have existed for five years to get a license and Amendment F reduces that time to three years. The forms of charitable gaming listed above in parenthesis are commonly used by smaller organizations and often, women of color led organizations.

Proposition #FF

  • VOTE YES

    Vote YES to feed all of Colorado's students.

    Website
  • Proposition FF would create and fund the "Healthy School Meals for All" program under the Colorado Department of Education. Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, this fund would provide free breakfast and lunch to all Colorado public school students, regardless of income. In 2024-2025, the fund would expand to provide grants for schools to buy local Colorado food, increase wages for employees who prepare and serve school meals, and increase community education and engagement around healthy meals.

    The program is funded by closing a tax loophole for households making $300,000 or more a year. Colorado's flat income tax rate means that the wealthy pay less of their income in taxes than the average Coloradan. This measure creates a fairer tax code by closing loopholes for the wealthiest 5% of Coloradans in a way that benefits every child.

    Research shows that well-fed children perform better academically, have fewer behavioral issues, and develop properly with access to nutritious meals. According to the Colorado Department of Education, 42% of public school students, around 355,000 kids, qualified for either free or reduced-priced school meals. However, the current income threshold for free and reduced-price meals ($51,388 for a family of four) can exclude students facing food insecurity, especially with inflation and a higher cost of living. If passed, this measure will feed every student and remove a daily expense from families' plates.

    Proposition FF creates a fairer tax code, saves working families money, and feeds our kids. We recommend a YES vote.
    Proposition FF would create and fund the "Healthy School Meals for All" program under the Colorado Department of Education. Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, this fund would provide free breakfast and lunch to all Colorado public school students, regardless of income. In 2024-2025, the fund would expand to provide grants for schools to buy local Colorado food, increase wages for employees who prepare and serve school meals, and increase community education and engagement around healthy meals.

    The program is funded by closing a tax loophole for households making $300,000 or more a year. Colorado's flat income tax rate means that the wealthy pay less of their income in taxes than the average Coloradan. This measure creates a fairer tax code by closing loopholes for the wealthiest 5% of Coloradans in a way that benefits every child.

    Research shows that well-fed children perform better academically, have fewer behavioral issues, and develop properly with access to nutritious meals. According to the Colorado Department of Education, 42% of public school students, around 355,000 kids, qualified for either free or reduced-priced school meals. However, the current income threshold for free and reduced-price meals ($51,388 for a family of four) can exclude students facing food insecurity, especially with inflation and a higher cost of living. If passed, this measure will feed every student and remove a daily expense from families' plates.

    Proposition FF creates a fairer tax code, saves working families money, and feeds our kids. We recommend a YES vote.

Proposition #GG

  • VOTE YES

    Vote YES for increased transparency and knowledge.

    Website
  • Proposition GG would require a tax information table on all ballots and petitions for measures that change any Coloradan’s income tax rate. This table would list the average change in taxes owed for eight income brackets. Any tax changes would be listed with a dollar amount and a plus sign [+] for increased taxes or a negative sign [-] for lower taxes.

    Under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, any measure that increases taxes must start with the total dollar amount raised. But that big, total dollar amount doesn't tell voters how much they, individually, would pay. When taxpayers know exactly how much an initiative would cost them, they can make better-informed decisions about an initiative's cost/benefit. It is vital that voters understand what they are voting for, and this measure only helps to clarify complicated information on how tax policy impacts every Colorado voter.

    We recommend a YES vote on Proposition GG.
    Proposition GG would require a tax information table on all ballots and petitions for measures that change any Coloradan’s income tax rate. This table would list the average change in taxes owed for eight income brackets. Any tax changes would be listed with a dollar amount and a plus sign [+] for increased taxes or a negative sign [-] for lower taxes.

    Under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, any measure that increases taxes must start with the total dollar amount raised. But that big, total dollar amount doesn't tell voters how much they, individually, would pay. When taxpayers know exactly how much an initiative would cost them, they can make better-informed decisions about an initiative's cost/benefit. It is vital that voters understand what they are voting for, and this measure only helps to clarify complicated information on how tax policy impacts every Colorado voter.

    We recommend a YES vote on Proposition GG.

Proposition #121

  • VOTE NO

    Vote NO on a tax cut that goes overwhelmingly to the richest 1%.

  • Proposition 121 permanently cuts Colorado's individual and corporate income tax rate from 4.55 percent to 4.40 percent. Colorado's flat tax code means that low income and wealthier Coloradans pay the same amount in percentage of their income, and our rate is too low to adequately fund our schools, and other tax-funded services. Of course, we all want to pay less, but, what is hidden here is that our taxes pay for services like schools, health, and public safety. Colorado schools are underfunded.

    Taxes are unfair and tricky in Colorado. Lower income tax payers pay more in taxes, than wealthier Coloradans do - due to the flat tax rate in Colorado. Colorado also has other limitations on changing taxes due to the limitations of the Taxpayer’s Bill Of Rights, and ranks 35th in state and local tax burden as a percentage of personal income, meaning taxing the wealthy more than lower income and working class Coloradans is really the only direction tax policy should go in Colorado. This measure only changes everyone’s taxes and continues with a flat tax rate - perpetuating the issue that lower income tax payers will pay more in taxes than wealthier Coloradans.
    Proposition 121 permanently cuts Colorado's individual and corporate income tax rate from 4.55 percent to 4.40 percent. Colorado's flat tax code means that low income and wealthier Coloradans pay the same amount in percentage of their income, and our rate is too low to adequately fund our schools, and other tax-funded services. Of course, we all want to pay less, but, what is hidden here is that our taxes pay for services like schools, health, and public safety. Colorado schools are underfunded.

    Taxes are unfair and tricky in Colorado. Lower income tax payers pay more in taxes, than wealthier Coloradans do - due to the flat tax rate in Colorado. Colorado also has other limitations on changing taxes due to the limitations of the Taxpayer’s Bill Of Rights, and ranks 35th in state and local tax burden as a percentage of personal income, meaning taxing the wealthy more than lower income and working class Coloradans is really the only direction tax policy should go in Colorado. This measure only changes everyone’s taxes and continues with a flat tax rate - perpetuating the issue that lower income tax payers will pay more in taxes than wealthier Coloradans.

Proposition #122

  • VOTE YES

    Vote YES to support access to natural medicine.

  • Proposition 122 advances criminal justice reform by legalizing the use of natural medicines - including dimethyltryptamine (DMT); ibogaine; mescaline (excluding peyote); psilocybin; and psilocybin.

    Proposition 122 decriminalizes personal use, possession growth, and transport of natural medicines for people who are 21 years and older and legalizes multiple natural medicines - and defines them as natural medicine. This ballot measure also creates the Regulated Natural Medicine Access Program for licensed healing centers to support the administration and use of natural medicine services.

    Proposition 122 only requires a simple majority of "yes" votes to pass. We endorse this measure because decriminalizing psilocybin and natural medicines is an important step in criminal justice reform.
    Proposition 122 advances criminal justice reform by legalizing the use of natural medicines - including dimethyltryptamine (DMT); ibogaine; mescaline (excluding peyote); psilocybin; and psilocybin.

    Proposition 122 decriminalizes personal use, possession growth, and transport of natural medicines for people who are 21 years and older and legalizes multiple natural medicines - and defines them as natural medicine. This ballot measure also creates the Regulated Natural Medicine Access Program for licensed healing centers to support the administration and use of natural medicine services.

    Proposition 122 only requires a simple majority of "yes" votes to pass. We endorse this measure because decriminalizing psilocybin and natural medicines is an important step in criminal justice reform.
    • Endorsed By ProgressNow Colorado

Proposition #123

  • VOTE YES

    Vote YES for more affordable housing.

  • This ballot measure would create the State Affordable Housing Fund. This fund would be made by dedicating one-tenth of one percent (0.01%) of federal taxable income to fund housing programs. This is not a tax increase, it is using federal taxable income to fund housing programs and housing initiatives. For example, this funding would pay for 5 main things: a housing equity program, debt programs for low to middle income multi family rental developments, an affordable home ownership program by providing down payment assistance, and creating grants to local governments and loans to nonprofit organizations to acquire and maintain land for the development of affordable housing.

    It is no secret Colorado faces unprecedented housing issues, it is vital we have multi-pronged approaches to our common and complex housing issues. We recommend a YES vote.
    This ballot measure would create the State Affordable Housing Fund. This fund would be made by dedicating one-tenth of one percent (0.01%) of federal taxable income to fund housing programs. This is not a tax increase, it is using federal taxable income to fund housing programs and housing initiatives. For example, this funding would pay for 5 main things: a housing equity program, debt programs for low to middle income multi family rental developments, an affordable home ownership program by providing down payment assistance, and creating grants to local governments and loans to nonprofit organizations to acquire and maintain land for the development of affordable housing.

    It is no secret Colorado faces unprecedented housing issues, it is vital we have multi-pronged approaches to our common and complex housing issues. We recommend a YES vote.

Proposition #124

  • No Position

    No Recommendation

  • Proposition 124 will incrementally increase the number of retail liquor store licenses that any individual may own or hold a share in, as follows, up to eight licenses by December 31, 2026, up to 13 licenses by December 31, 2031, up to 20 licenses by December 31, 2036; and an unlimited number of licenses on or after January 1, 2037.” A store with a retail liquor license cannot currently be within 500 feet of another store with that same license.
    Proposition 124 will incrementally increase the number of retail liquor store licenses that any individual may own or hold a share in, as follows, up to eight licenses by December 31, 2026, up to 13 licenses by December 31, 2031, up to 20 licenses by December 31, 2036; and an unlimited number of licenses on or after January 1, 2037.” A store with a retail liquor license cannot currently be within 500 feet of another store with that same license.

Proposition #125

  • No Position

    No recommendation

  • Proposition 125 would make it so any grocery store or convenience store that is licensed to sell beer would be allowed to also sell wine. When considering this bill it is important to note that a new fermented malt beverage and wine retailer's license could not be issued to a location within 500 feet of a retail liquor store, and likewise.
    Proposition 125 would make it so any grocery store or convenience store that is licensed to sell beer would be allowed to also sell wine. When considering this bill it is important to note that a new fermented malt beverage and wine retailer's license could not be issued to a location within 500 feet of a retail liquor store, and likewise.

Proposition #126

  • No Position

    No recommendation

  • Proposition 126 would allow alcohol retailers and liquor-licensed businesses such as grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants to offer third-party delivery services for alcohol deliveries beginning March 1, 2023. Similar to the temporary order we saw in COVID-19 - under this ballot measure - bars and restaurants would be allowed to offer alcohol takeout and delivery. While alcohol delivery sounds nice, we are not clear how this ballot measure will impact (negatively or positively) our gig workers, low wage workers, and the larger labor force.

    Right now in Colorado, retailers are allowed to deliver alcohol using a store-owned vehicle by an employee who is at least 21 years old. Alcohol delivery has been allowed by liquor stores since 1994, by wineries since 1997, and by grocery and convenience stores since 2019. In 2020, Colorado allowed takeout and delivery of alcohol by bars and restaurants through July 1, 2025.
    Proposition 126 would allow alcohol retailers and liquor-licensed businesses such as grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants to offer third-party delivery services for alcohol deliveries beginning March 1, 2023. Similar to the temporary order we saw in COVID-19 - under this ballot measure - bars and restaurants would be allowed to offer alcohol takeout and delivery. While alcohol delivery sounds nice, we are not clear how this ballot measure will impact (negatively or positively) our gig workers, low wage workers, and the larger labor force.

    Right now in Colorado, retailers are allowed to deliver alcohol using a store-owned vehicle by an employee who is at least 21 years old. Alcohol delivery has been allowed by liquor stores since 1994, by wineries since 1997, and by grocery and convenience stores since 2019. In 2020, Colorado allowed takeout and delivery of alcohol by bars and restaurants through July 1, 2025.