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Welcome to the Colorado Progressive Voters Guide! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
Federal
Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee to serve as the 47th President of the United States. The daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, Harris' election would represent a historic achievement for women and underrepresented communities across the nation.
Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris attended the historically Black Howard University, then graduating from University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Harris was elected in 2003 as District Attorney of San Francisco, working to reduce recidivism and combat injustice against vulnerable populations. In 2010, Harris was elected California's Attorney General, winning re-election in 2014 before successfully running for the U.S. Senate in 2016. In 2020, Harris was chosen by now-President Joe Biden to serve as the first woman Vice President of the United States.
During Harris' term in the U.S. Senate, she played a central role in fighting back against Donald Trump's Supreme Court Justice appointments, defending the Affordable Care Act that millions of Americans rely on, and working across the aisle on immigration and criminal justice issues. As Vice President, Harris broke a record number of tie votes to pass critical legislation. Harris has promised to sign in to law legislation restoring the abortion rights protections eliminated by the repeal of Roe v. Wade.
Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is one of the nation's strongest and most effective progressive chief executives. From humble beginnings as a school teacher and 24 years of enlisted military service, Walz has channeled that experience into tireless advocacy for progressive solutions to the problems faced his state and the nation. As Governor of Minnesota, Walz signed free school meals, abortion rights, and universal background checks for gun purchases into law.
Harris' opponent in the 2024 President race, former President Donald Trump, was ruled ineligible by the Colorado Supreme Court for the presidential ballot on the basis of the 14th Amendment prohibition on candidates for office who have engaged in insurrection. This ruling removing Trump from the ballot was invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the finding that Trump had engaged in insurrection was not addressed in their decision. Trump continues to assert that he won the 2020 presidential election despite no evidence to support that claim ever emerging. As President, Trump appointed three far-right Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, skewing the court's bias for a generation and directly resulting in the repeal of the historic Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing abortion rights. Massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans signed into law by Trump helped result in historic deficits under his administration and his successor. After losing the 2020 Presidential election, Trump's refusal to admit defeat resulted in the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, an event Trump hoped would disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.
The 2024 Presidential election represents both the clearest and most important choice for American voters in generations. For the sake of the rule of law and American democracy, Kamala Harris is the progressive choice to be the next President of the United States.
Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee to serve as the 47th President of the United States. The daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, Harris' election would represent a historic achievement for women and underrepresented communities across the nation.
Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris attended the historically Black Howard University, then graduating from University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Harris was elected in 2003 as District Attorney of San Francisco, working to reduce recidivism and combat injustice against vulnerable populations. In 2010, Harris was elected California's Attorney General, winning re-election in 2014 before successfully running for the U.S. Senate in 2016. In 2020, Harris was chosen by now-President Joe Biden to serve as the first woman Vice President of the United States.
During Harris' term in the U.S. Senate, she played a central role in fighting back against Donald Trump's Supreme Court Justice appointments, defending the Affordable Care Act that millions of Americans rely on, and working across the aisle on immigration and criminal justice issues. As Vice President, Harris broke a record number of tie votes to pass critical legislation. Harris has promised to sign in to law legislation restoring the abortion rights protections eliminated by the repeal of Roe v. Wade.
Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is one of the nation's strongest and most effective progressive chief executives. From humble beginnings as a school teacher and 24 years of enlisted military service, Walz has channeled that experience into tireless advocacy for progressive solutions to the problems faced his state and the nation. As Governor of Minnesota, Walz signed free school meals, abortion rights, and universal background checks for gun purchases into law.
Harris' opponent in the 2024 President race, former President Donald Trump, was ruled ineligible by the Colorado Supreme Court for the presidential ballot on the basis of the 14th Amendment prohibition on candidates for office who have engaged in insurrection. This ruling removing Trump from the ballot was invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the finding that Trump had engaged in insurrection was not addressed in their decision. Trump continues to assert that he won the 2020 presidential election despite no evidence to support that claim ever emerging. As President, Trump appointed three far-right Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, skewing the court's bias for a generation and directly resulting in the repeal of the historic Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing abortion rights. Massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans signed into law by Trump helped result in historic deficits under his administration and his successor. After losing the 2020 Presidential election, Trump's refusal to admit defeat resulted in the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, an event Trump hoped would disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.
The 2024 Presidential election represents both the clearest and most important choice for American voters in generations. For the sake of the rule of law and American democracy, Kamala Harris is the progressive choice to be the next President of the United States.
5th Congressional District
River Gassen is the Democratic candidate running for Congress in Colorado's 5th Congressional District. Gassen is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, currently teaching in the astronomy department. Gassen is a researcher working with the CU BioFrontiers Institute, "a unique interdisciplinary community of scientists driven by the mission of improving global health and welfare through collaborative, boundary-pushing bioscience."
Gassen is running for Congress to protect reproductive rights, essential programs like food assistance and Medicaid, and remediating the effects of human-caused climate change. Gassen offers leadership from a STEM educational background and making the American dream of affordable housing and access to health care a reality for everyone in Colorado's 5th District.
Gassen's opponent, right-wing talk radio host and longtime operative for the billionaire-funded conservative group Americans For Prosperity, Jeff Crank, was recently endorsed by ex-President Donald Trump after defeating the previously Trump-endorsed candidate Dave Williams in the Republican primary. Before that endorsement, Crank was fiercely opposed by MAGA Colorado Republicans over his support for Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential race. Crank's employer Americans for Prosperity said that Trump will "do irreparable damage to the country" if elected President again.
River Gassen is the clear champion for progressive values in the 5th Congressional District.
River Gassen is the Democratic candidate running for Congress in Colorado's 5th Congressional District. Gassen is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, currently teaching in the astronomy department. Gassen is a researcher working with the CU BioFrontiers Institute, "a unique interdisciplinary community of scientists driven by the mission of improving global health and welfare through collaborative, boundary-pushing bioscience."
Gassen is running for Congress to protect reproductive rights, essential programs like food assistance and Medicaid, and remediating the effects of human-caused climate change. Gassen offers leadership from a STEM educational background and making the American dream of affordable housing and access to health care a reality for everyone in Colorado's 5th District.
Gassen's opponent, right-wing talk radio host and longtime operative for the billionaire-funded conservative group Americans For Prosperity, Jeff Crank, was recently endorsed by ex-President Donald Trump after defeating the previously Trump-endorsed candidate Dave Williams in the Republican primary. Before that endorsement, Crank was fiercely opposed by MAGA Colorado Republicans over his support for Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential race. Crank's employer Americans for Prosperity said that Trump will "do irreparable damage to the country" if elected President again.
River Gassen is the clear champion for progressive values in the 5th Congressional District.
University of Colorado Board of Regents
Axel Brown is the Democratic candidate running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents to represent the 5th Congressional District. Brown is an Army veteran and graduate of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. A social worker, Brown is running to help non-traditional students and provide support for active-duty and military personnel seeking higher education.
Brown's Republican opponent Ken Montera is the incumbent member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents representing the 5th Congressional District. Montera is a graduate of the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business and a retired retail executive.
We recommend Axel Brown to bring a renewed focus on service members, veterans and non-traditional students to the CU Board of Regents.
Axel Brown is the Democratic candidate running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents to represent the 5th Congressional District. Brown is an Army veteran and graduate of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. A social worker, Brown is running to help non-traditional students and provide support for active-duty and military personnel seeking higher education.
Brown's Republican opponent Ken Montera is the incumbent member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents representing the 5th Congressional District. Montera is a graduate of the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business and a retired retail executive.
We recommend Axel Brown to bring a renewed focus on service members, veterans and non-traditional students to the CU Board of Regents.
Elliott Hood the Democratic candidate running for an at-large (statewide) seat on the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Hood is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Hood currently serves on the Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Hood is a former fifth-grade teacher who became an attorney for school districts, involved in litigation to defend COVID-19 safety measures and protections against discrimination. Hood served as vice chairman of the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. Hood is running to keep the CU system affordable and fight for the rights of campus workers.
Hood's Republican opponent Eric Rinard is an engineer and graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and serves as a board member at the Aspen Ridge Preparatory School charter school in Erie.
Elliott Hood is the recommended progressive choice to serve statewide on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
Elliott Hood the Democratic candidate running for an at-large (statewide) seat on the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Hood is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Hood currently serves on the Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Hood is a former fifth-grade teacher who became an attorney for school districts, involved in litigation to defend COVID-19 safety measures and protections against discrimination. Hood served as vice chairman of the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. Hood is running to keep the CU system affordable and fight for the rights of campus workers.
Hood's Republican opponent Eric Rinard is an engineer and graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and serves as a board member at the Aspen Ridge Preparatory School charter school in Erie.
Elliott Hood is the recommended progressive choice to serve statewide on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
State Senate
Senator, District 10
Ryan Lucas (Democrat) is running for Senate District 10. Lucas is running to protect access to healthcare and protect everyday people from the misuse of artificial intelligence technology. Lucas is endorsed by the Working Families Party, recognizing his dedication to fighting for economic equality and people-first progressive policies.
Lucas is running against incumbent, Republican Larry Liston. Liston is an extreme Second Amendment conservative who supports oil and gas industry and extreme law enforcement tactics.
Also running is Libertarian John C. Hjersman.
Ryan Lucas is the progressive choice for District 10.
Ryan Lucas (Democrat) is running for Senate District 10. Lucas is running to protect access to healthcare and protect everyday people from the misuse of artificial intelligence technology. Lucas is endorsed by the Working Families Party, recognizing his dedication to fighting for economic equality and people-first progressive policies.
Lucas is running against incumbent, Republican Larry Liston. Liston is an extreme Second Amendment conservative who supports oil and gas industry and extreme law enforcement tactics.
Also running is Libertarian John C. Hjersman.
Ryan Lucas is the progressive choice for District 10.
Senator, District 12
Rep. Marc Snyder is running for State Senate District 12. For the past six years, he has represented House District 18 at the state legislature. Snyder is an attorney and the former Mayor of Manitou Springs. Snyder has spent two decades leading his community to improve local transportation, health, economic development, sustainability, restorative justice, and military care.
Snyder is a champion for working families and small businesses at the state house, fighting to increase access to affordable housing and create a small business recovery loan program. Snyder is an effective leader in the legislature, working to make Colorado more affordable, environmentally resilient, and safe.
Donald Trump-enthusiast Stan VanderWerf is running against Snyder. Libertarian John Michael Angle is also running.
Vote Rep. Marc Snyder is the progressive running for Senate District 12.
Rep. Marc Snyder is running for State Senate District 12. For the past six years, he has represented House District 18 at the state legislature. Snyder is an attorney and the former Mayor of Manitou Springs. Snyder has spent two decades leading his community to improve local transportation, health, economic development, sustainability, restorative justice, and military care.
Snyder is a champion for working families and small businesses at the state house, fighting to increase access to affordable housing and create a small business recovery loan program. Snyder is an effective leader in the legislature, working to make Colorado more affordable, environmentally resilient, and safe.
Donald Trump-enthusiast Stan VanderWerf is running against Snyder. Libertarian John Michael Angle is also running.
Vote Rep. Marc Snyder is the progressive running for Senate District 12.
Representative, District 22
Michael Pierson is the Democratic candidate running for the Colorado House District 22. Pierson is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 20 years of service in public affairs. Pierson served as Chief of Public Engagements for the U.S. Space Force and the U.S. Air Force Space Command.
Pierson is running to unseat Republican Rep. Ken DeGraaf. DeGraaf is one of the most stridently conservative members of the Colorado House, frequently making incendiary racist, homophobic, and misogynist rhetoric speeches on the floor of the Colorado House.
Michael Pierson is the clear progressive running for House District 22 over one of the state's foremost far-right embarrassments.
Michael Pierson is the Democratic candidate running for the Colorado House District 22. Pierson is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 20 years of service in public affairs. Pierson served as Chief of Public Engagements for the U.S. Space Force and the U.S. Air Force Space Command.
Pierson is running to unseat Republican Rep. Ken DeGraaf. DeGraaf is one of the most stridently conservative members of the Colorado House, frequently making incendiary racist, homophobic, and misogynist rhetoric speeches on the floor of the Colorado House.
Michael Pierson is the clear progressive running for House District 22 over one of the state's foremost far-right embarrassments.
El Paso County Commission
Bernard Byers is seeking election to the El Paso County Commission, District 2. Byers is a Colorado native who is passionate about community involvement and service. Be it as a youth basketball coach for the non-profit Colorado Storm, as a bank manager, or as a board member for The Resource Exchange helping support and advocate for children with disabilities, Byers is a strong progressive leader. He has served as a board member for the Colorado Springs Civic Engagement Committee, Colorado Springs Rising Professionals, and as Chair of the Public Art Commission, Pikes Peak region.
Byers is dedicated to supporting and improving education, public, safety, and infrastructure in El Paso County. Byers supports LGBTQ+ rights and is a proponent for increasing access and funding to mental health recourses and suicide prevention. He is endorsed by the Colorado Working Families Party and believes in authentic and transparent governance that serves its community accurately.
Byers is challenging incumbent candidate Carrie Geitner. Geitner is a constitutional conservative who supports harmful and hateful stereotypes about South American immigrants. She is president of a charter school and supports "parental rights" to school choice, which is often associated with anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-diversity sentiments. Geitner does not separate her faith from her approach to government stating "Our rights are given by our creator and not our government. Therefore, we are free to live out our lives as we see fit." She does not support reproductive freedoms, limits to the second amendment, or the repealing of TABOR.
Bernard Byers is the progressive choice for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 2.
Bernard Byers is seeking election to the El Paso County Commission, District 2. Byers is a Colorado native who is passionate about community involvement and service. Be it as a youth basketball coach for the non-profit Colorado Storm, as a bank manager, or as a board member for The Resource Exchange helping support and advocate for children with disabilities, Byers is a strong progressive leader. He has served as a board member for the Colorado Springs Civic Engagement Committee, Colorado Springs Rising Professionals, and as Chair of the Public Art Commission, Pikes Peak region.
Byers is dedicated to supporting and improving education, public, safety, and infrastructure in El Paso County. Byers supports LGBTQ+ rights and is a proponent for increasing access and funding to mental health recourses and suicide prevention. He is endorsed by the Colorado Working Families Party and believes in authentic and transparent governance that serves its community accurately.
Byers is challenging incumbent candidate Carrie Geitner. Geitner is a constitutional conservative who supports harmful and hateful stereotypes about South American immigrants. She is president of a charter school and supports "parental rights" to school choice, which is often associated with anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-diversity sentiments. Geitner does not separate her faith from her approach to government stating "Our rights are given by our creator and not our government. Therefore, we are free to live out our lives as we see fit." She does not support reproductive freedoms, limits to the second amendment, or the repealing of TABOR.
Bernard Byers is the progressive choice for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 2.
Naomi Lopez is running for County Commissioner in El Paso County District 3. Lopez is an educator and speech pathologist dedicated to empowering change and community. She is an active member of her teacher's union and has served as President of Neighbors for Education as well as as a member of the Colorado Springs Education Association, Colorado Education Association Equity Council for Race and Culture, and was a founding member of the Latina Equity Foundation.
Lopez hopes to support smart, inclusive, and thoughtful development in El Paso County. She will balance environmental protections and urban expansion while supporting parks and open space and renewable energy solutions. Lopez aims to improve public transportation options, physical and mental health access and support, and affordable housing for all. She is committed to celebrating diversity and inclusion and promoting all El Paso County has to offer.
Opposing Lopez is Bill Wysong. Wysong supports increasing funding to law enforcement and reducing health care accessibility for incarcerated persons. He is a supporter of TABOR and upholds unfounded and harmful ideologies regarding unhoused people having stated "Homeless encampments bring human waste, drug paraphernalia and other ecological hazards."
Naomi Lopez is the progressive choice for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 3.
Naomi Lopez is running for County Commissioner in El Paso County District 3. Lopez is an educator and speech pathologist dedicated to empowering change and community. She is an active member of her teacher's union and has served as President of Neighbors for Education as well as as a member of the Colorado Springs Education Association, Colorado Education Association Equity Council for Race and Culture, and was a founding member of the Latina Equity Foundation.
Lopez hopes to support smart, inclusive, and thoughtful development in El Paso County. She will balance environmental protections and urban expansion while supporting parks and open space and renewable energy solutions. Lopez aims to improve public transportation options, physical and mental health access and support, and affordable housing for all. She is committed to celebrating diversity and inclusion and promoting all El Paso County has to offer.
Opposing Lopez is Bill Wysong. Wysong supports increasing funding to law enforcement and reducing health care accessibility for incarcerated persons. He is a supporter of TABOR and upholds unfounded and harmful ideologies regarding unhoused people having stated "Homeless encampments bring human waste, drug paraphernalia and other ecological hazards."
Naomi Lopez is the progressive choice for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 3.
Dr. Detra Duncan is running for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 4. Duncan is an active community member who holds a PhD in Organizational Management. She currently serves as a member of the Fountain City Council At-Large. Dr. Duncan also serves the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Board of Directors, Fountain Creek Watershed District, and Colorado Municipal League.
As commissioner, Dr. Duncan will continue developing public safety measures, affordability, and environmental protections. She is also concerned with the state of healthcare access in El Paso County and is dedicated to providing affordable and readily available care for all. She will stand up for vocational school opportunities and infrastructure repair. Duncan is an advocate and will speak up for the needs of her community.
Applegate is the proud far-right conservative Republican opposing Dr. Duncan. Applegate is a an extreme gun enthusiast and personhood zealot. He also claims the "left is pushing woke social agendas upon children, in an attempt to tear down a nuclear family." Applegate supports TABOR, decreasing the presence of the state government, and doing away with mail-in ballots because of conspiracy theories about fraudulent elections. He does not have El Paso County's welfare in mind.
Dr. Detra Duncan is the progressive choice for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 4.
Dr. Detra Duncan is running for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 4. Duncan is an active community member who holds a PhD in Organizational Management. She currently serves as a member of the Fountain City Council At-Large. Dr. Duncan also serves the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Board of Directors, Fountain Creek Watershed District, and Colorado Municipal League.
As commissioner, Dr. Duncan will continue developing public safety measures, affordability, and environmental protections. She is also concerned with the state of healthcare access in El Paso County and is dedicated to providing affordable and readily available care for all. She will stand up for vocational school opportunities and infrastructure repair. Duncan is an advocate and will speak up for the needs of her community.
Applegate is the proud far-right conservative Republican opposing Dr. Duncan. Applegate is a an extreme gun enthusiast and personhood zealot. He also claims the "left is pushing woke social agendas upon children, in an attempt to tear down a nuclear family." Applegate supports TABOR, decreasing the presence of the state government, and doing away with mail-in ballots because of conspiracy theories about fraudulent elections. He does not have El Paso County's welfare in mind.
Dr. Detra Duncan is the progressive choice for County Commissioner of El Paso County District 4.
District Attorney, 4th Judicial District
Jeremy Dowell is running in Colorado's 4th Judicial District against incumbent Republican Michael Allen, who won narrowly in 2020.
Dowell is currently a lawyer working to represent youth in the juvenile justice system in the Colorado Springs area. He was motivated to run for office due to concerns with the lack of voter choice and the "one-size-fits-all approach of the current office." He has also expressed a desire to remove political decision making from the prosecution process.
In his time as District Attorney, Allen has focused on prosecuting drug and violent crimes. He touts his record of convictions as the reason voters should choose him.
Dowell is the right choice for progressives due to his commitment to reducing political decision making in the courtroom and careful approach to individual cases.
Jeremy Dowell is running in Colorado's 4th Judicial District against incumbent Republican Michael Allen, who won narrowly in 2020.
Dowell is currently a lawyer working to represent youth in the juvenile justice system in the Colorado Springs area. He was motivated to run for office due to concerns with the lack of voter choice and the "one-size-fits-all approach of the current office." He has also expressed a desire to remove political decision making from the prosecution process.
In his time as District Attorney, Allen has focused on prosecuting drug and violent crimes. He touts his record of convictions as the reason voters should choose him.
Dowell is the right choice for progressives due to his commitment to reducing political decision making in the courtroom and careful approach to individual cases.
Statewide Judicial Races
The following Judicial Retention selections are taken directly from the Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, the independent state-funded body that evaluates judges. Statewide and judicial districted commissions spend hours evaluating the overall performance of judges in each of the following criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public. The commissions then vote on if a judge either meets performance standards or does not meet performance standards.
If you would like to access a more detailed judicial evaluation, click on the "Website" near a judge's name.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Brian D. Boatright MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 8–0 with three recusals.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Brian D. Boatright MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 8–0 with three recusals.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Stephanie Dunn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Stephanie Dunn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge W. Eric Kuhn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge W. Eric Kuhn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Judge Gilbert M. Román MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Judge Gilbert M. Román MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Timothy J. Schutz MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Timothy J. Schutz MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
4th Judicial District
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 5-0 unanimously with five absent that Judge David L. Shakes MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 5-0 unanimously with five absent that Judge David L. Shakes MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Diana K. May MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Diana K. May MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Eric Bentley MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Eric Bentley MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 5-0 with five absences that Judge Jill M. Brady MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 5-0 with five absences that Judge Jill M. Brady MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Laura Norris Findorff MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Laura Norris Findorff MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 6-0 with three absent and one recusal that Judge Linda Margaret Billings-Vela MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 6-0 with three absent and one recusal that Judge Linda Margaret Billings-Vela MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 5-0 with five absent that Judge Samuel Albert Evig MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 5-0 with five absent that Judge Samuel Albert Evig MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge William H. Moller MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge William H. Moller MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
El Paso County
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Charlotte A. Ankeny MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Charlotte A. Ankeny MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Cynthia A. McKedy MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Cynthia A. McKedy MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Shannon Marie Gerhart MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Shannon Marie Gerhart MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Steven Katzman MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge Steven Katzman MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three commissioners absent that Judge Yolanda M. Fennick MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three commissioners absent that Judge Yolanda M. Fennick MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Colorado SHOULD extend its Homestead exemption to veterans, injured in the line of duty, who have been federally qualified as TDIU (or classified as having a service-related disability that has rendered them unemployable).
A constitutional measure referred to the ballot by the state legislature, Amendment G would add this exemption to Colorado veterans, who cannot hold steady employment as a result of their service.
Currently in Colorado, seniors (65+), Gold Star spouses, and veterans with a 100% service-related disability, can exempt 50% of the first $200,000 of their home’s value from taxation.
An estimated 3,700 veterans in Colorado who are not otherwise able to claim the homestead exemption would be eligible for the exemption under this amendment in property tax year 2025.
The state reimburses the local governments for all revenue lost as a result of the exemption.
The measure requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment G.
Colorado SHOULD extend its Homestead exemption to veterans, injured in the line of duty, who have been federally qualified as TDIU (or classified as having a service-related disability that has rendered them unemployable).
A constitutional measure referred to the ballot by the state legislature, Amendment G would add this exemption to Colorado veterans, who cannot hold steady employment as a result of their service.
Currently in Colorado, seniors (65+), Gold Star spouses, and veterans with a 100% service-related disability, can exempt 50% of the first $200,000 of their home’s value from taxation.
An estimated 3,700 veterans in Colorado who are not otherwise able to claim the homestead exemption would be eligible for the exemption under this amendment in property tax year 2025.
The state reimburses the local governments for all revenue lost as a result of the exemption.
The measure requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment G.
Referred by the state legislature, Amendment H creates an Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board, separate from the Colorado Supreme Court. This independent commission would preside over judicial discipline hearings and impose sanctions. The amendment would make judicial discipline public once formal proceedings begin.
The constitutional measure requires a 55% ‘yes’ vote to pass.
Referred by the state legislature, Amendment H creates an Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board, separate from the Colorado Supreme Court. This independent commission would preside over judicial discipline hearings and impose sanctions. The amendment would make judicial discipline public once formal proceedings begin.
The constitutional measure requires a 55% ‘yes’ vote to pass.
Amendment I was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% yes vote to pass.
Amendment I would make first degree murder an “unbailable” offense if the proof “is evident or the presumption is great.”
In short, Amendment I adds first degree murder to the list of offenses for which a person can be held without bail in Colorado.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment I.
Amendment I was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% yes vote to pass.
Amendment I would make first degree murder an “unbailable” offense if the proof “is evident or the presumption is great.”
In short, Amendment I adds first degree murder to the list of offenses for which a person can be held without bail in Colorado.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment I.
As progressives, we proudly continue to stand with and support marriage equality for all.
Marriage is a basic right, and Colorado’s Constitution SHOULD reflect this right for all state residents. Amendment J repeals the ban on same-sex marriage in Colorado by striking language in Colorado’s Constitution stating that only the union of one man and one woman is a valid or recognized marriage in Colorado.
Repealing the ban is necessary, as the U.S. Supreme Court has hinted at overturning marriage equality in a prior opinion, and the legality of same-sex marriage would then revert to each state.
Amendment J was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We must protect the legality of same-sex marriage in Colorado. We strongly recommend a YES vote on Amendment J.
As progressives, we proudly continue to stand with and support marriage equality for all.
Marriage is a basic right, and Colorado’s Constitution SHOULD reflect this right for all state residents. Amendment J repeals the ban on same-sex marriage in Colorado by striking language in Colorado’s Constitution stating that only the union of one man and one woman is a valid or recognized marriage in Colorado.
Repealing the ban is necessary, as the U.S. Supreme Court has hinted at overturning marriage equality in a prior opinion, and the legality of same-sex marriage would then revert to each state.
Amendment J was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We must protect the legality of same-sex marriage in Colorado. We strongly recommend a YES vote on Amendment J.
Amendment K would require citizen initiatives to file their signatures one week earlier. Additionally, judges and justices seeking retention would be required to also file their “Declaration of Intent” one week earlier. Lastly, official text and ballot measure titles would have to be published one month sooner.
Should the measure pass, the Colorado Secretary of State and county clerks would have more time to finalize ballots ahead of printing.
Referred by the legislature, Amendment K requires 55% to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment K.
Amendment K would require citizen initiatives to file their signatures one week earlier. Additionally, judges and justices seeking retention would be required to also file their “Declaration of Intent” one week earlier. Lastly, official text and ballot measure titles would have to be published one month sooner.
Should the measure pass, the Colorado Secretary of State and county clerks would have more time to finalize ballots ahead of printing.
Referred by the legislature, Amendment K requires 55% to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment K.
Abortion is health care, and Amendment 79 protects the right to abortion care in Colorado’s constitution.
Amendment 79 ensures that state and local governments cannot block or limit access to abortion care. It removes existing insurance discrimination policies that prevent public employees and Coloradans enrolled in state and local government insurance programs, from having abortion care covered by their health insurance.
Currently, our state’s constitution does not keep the government out of personal, private health decisions, meaning the government can take away our right to abortion with the stroke of a pen.
A YES vote would change the Colorado constitution, recognizing the right to abortion and protecting it from future government interference of this right.
Regardless of the source of one's health insurance, the right to abortion should be protected for all Coloradans. Coloradans should have the freedom to decide for themselves whether to have an abortion, and that right shouldn’t depend on the source of their health insurance or who is in office.
We must end attempts by anti-abortion extremists to ban abortion in the state and even charge women who’ve had abortions with homicide. We can’t let that happen.
Vote YES on Amendment 79 to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible for future generations in Colorado.
Abortion is health care, and Amendment 79 protects the right to abortion care in Colorado’s constitution.
Amendment 79 ensures that state and local governments cannot block or limit access to abortion care. It removes existing insurance discrimination policies that prevent public employees and Coloradans enrolled in state and local government insurance programs, from having abortion care covered by their health insurance.
Currently, our state’s constitution does not keep the government out of personal, private health decisions, meaning the government can take away our right to abortion with the stroke of a pen.
A YES vote would change the Colorado constitution, recognizing the right to abortion and protecting it from future government interference of this right.
Regardless of the source of one's health insurance, the right to abortion should be protected for all Coloradans. Coloradans should have the freedom to decide for themselves whether to have an abortion, and that right shouldn’t depend on the source of their health insurance or who is in office.
We must end attempts by anti-abortion extremists to ban abortion in the state and even charge women who’ve had abortions with homicide. We can’t let that happen.
Vote YES on Amendment 79 to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible for future generations in Colorado.
Amendment 80 is a misleading constitutional measure that would require 55% of the vote to pass. Designed to weaken and divert funds from public education, this amendment seeks to pave the way for taxpayer funded, private school voucher programs.
Programs such as this seek to divert critical resources from already underfunded public schools and funnel them to private schools that discriminate against students and families and do not have to meet state education standards or serve all students.
While pretending to be about school choice, which already exists in Colorado (since 1994), Amendment 80's private education proponents seek to justify book banning and abandon curriculums that include sex education, race, and ethnicity. This amendment also would allow parents to sue schools for following non-discrimination laws and interfere with school activities.
Amendment 80 is dangerous - opening the door for extremists to try to dictate school curriculum for 95% of Colorado’s kids.
We recommend that you vote NO on Amendment 80 and protect Colorado's public schools.
Amendment 80 is a misleading constitutional measure that would require 55% of the vote to pass. Designed to weaken and divert funds from public education, this amendment seeks to pave the way for taxpayer funded, private school voucher programs.
Programs such as this seek to divert critical resources from already underfunded public schools and funnel them to private schools that discriminate against students and families and do not have to meet state education standards or serve all students.
While pretending to be about school choice, which already exists in Colorado (since 1994), Amendment 80's private education proponents seek to justify book banning and abandon curriculums that include sex education, race, and ethnicity. This amendment also would allow parents to sue schools for following non-discrimination laws and interfere with school activities.
Amendment 80 is dangerous - opening the door for extremists to try to dictate school curriculum for 95% of Colorado’s kids.
We recommend that you vote NO on Amendment 80 and protect Colorado's public schools.
In 2019, voters approved Proposition DD, which legalized sports betting in Colorado and authorized the state to collect up to $29 million per year in tax revenue from sports betting. Proposition JJ proposes allowing the state to keep any sports betting tax revenue above $29 million per year. This already collected revenue would go towards the Colorado Water Plan instead of being refunded to casinos and sportsbook operators.
As a statutory measure, Proposition JJ just needs above 50% of the vote to pass.
In 2019, voters approved Proposition DD, which legalized sports betting in Colorado and authorized the state to collect up to $29 million per year in tax revenue from sports betting. Proposition JJ proposes allowing the state to keep any sports betting tax revenue above $29 million per year. This already collected revenue would go towards the Colorado Water Plan instead of being refunded to casinos and sportsbook operators.
As a statutory measure, Proposition JJ just needs above 50% of the vote to pass.
Voting YES on Proposition KK supports our most at-risk Coloradans — veterans, youth, and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. Proposition KK creates a new state tax on the sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. This revenue would provide around $39 million each year to fund mental health support for survivors of trauma as well as youth and school safety programs.
These programs would provide critical resources to build resilience for survivors of trauma, support the prevention of crime and gun violence, and help end the cycle of violence.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment KK.
Voting YES on Proposition KK supports our most at-risk Coloradans — veterans, youth, and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. Proposition KK creates a new state tax on the sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. This revenue would provide around $39 million each year to fund mental health support for survivors of trauma as well as youth and school safety programs.
These programs would provide critical resources to build resilience for survivors of trauma, support the prevention of crime and gun violence, and help end the cycle of violence.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment KK.
Proposition 127 would prohibit killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging a deadly weapon at bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions in Colorado. This measure bans all hunting, pursuing, or entrapping of bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions.
Proposition 127 would prohibit killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging a deadly weapon at bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions in Colorado. This measure bans all hunting, pursuing, or entrapping of bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions.
Proposition 128 is a “scare tactic” initiative aimed to increase state spending on prisons, jeopardize prison safety, and disincentivize educational and mental health programs for inmates.
This measure would require an individual convicted of certain crimes to serve 85% of their sentence before the possibility of parole, up from 75% of their sentence. While the measure claims to be “tough on crime,” it does nothing to actually decrease crime. Rather, Proposition 128, is designed to increase prison populations in Colorado, increase spending, and increase the likelihood of repeat offenses by removing incentives for inmates to participate in education, mental health, and other rehabilitation resources.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 128.
Proposition 128 is a “scare tactic” initiative aimed to increase state spending on prisons, jeopardize prison safety, and disincentivize educational and mental health programs for inmates.
This measure would require an individual convicted of certain crimes to serve 85% of their sentence before the possibility of parole, up from 75% of their sentence. While the measure claims to be “tough on crime,” it does nothing to actually decrease crime. Rather, Proposition 128, is designed to increase prison populations in Colorado, increase spending, and increase the likelihood of repeat offenses by removing incentives for inmates to participate in education, mental health, and other rehabilitation resources.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 128.
Proposition 129 would create a mid-level position called a Veterinary Professional Associate, or VPA. This position, which would require a masters degree, would be allowed to diagnose animals, perform surgeries, and order and perform tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
A state would create a credentialing board that would require passage of a national exam and may adopt additional credential and testing requirements.
Proposition 129 would create a mid-level position called a Veterinary Professional Associate, or VPA. This position, which would require a masters degree, would be allowed to diagnose animals, perform surgeries, and order and perform tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
A state would create a credentialing board that would require passage of a national exam and may adopt additional credential and testing requirements.
Proposition 130 would reallocate $350 million of state funds to expand policing in Colorado. Currently, most local police are funded through local and municipal budgets, not from state coffers. The initiative falsely claims to fund first responders, but restricts the funds to local law enforcement only – fire fighters, EMTs, or mental health professionals would not receive a dime.
This measure diverts even more funding to local law enforcement at the expense of other essential services that are proven to increase and support public safety, such as education resources, mental health services, co-responder programs, and community development. The proposed government funding mandated by this measure does not include any oversight and cannot be used for diversion programs.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 130.
Proposition 130 would reallocate $350 million of state funds to expand policing in Colorado. Currently, most local police are funded through local and municipal budgets, not from state coffers. The initiative falsely claims to fund first responders, but restricts the funds to local law enforcement only – fire fighters, EMTs, or mental health professionals would not receive a dime.
This measure diverts even more funding to local law enforcement at the expense of other essential services that are proven to increase and support public safety, such as education resources, mental health services, co-responder programs, and community development. The proposed government funding mandated by this measure does not include any oversight and cannot be used for diversion programs.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 130.
The supporters of Proposition 131 (former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry and other multi-millionaires) want to make it easier for wealthy candidates like themselves to win in Colorado.
Proposition 131 proposes an “all-candidate” primary for U.S. Senate and House, statewide positions like governor, and the state legislature. It would ask primary voters to choose from all candidates for each of these races, regardless of political affiliation. The top four vote recipients would advance to the general election.
The new voting model would make elections in Colorado more expensive to administer, do away with Colorado’s post-election audit, and is designed to confuse voters and decrease participation.
Proposition 131 would not apply to the Presidential primary.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 131.
The supporters of Proposition 131 (former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry and other multi-millionaires) want to make it easier for wealthy candidates like themselves to win in Colorado.
Proposition 131 proposes an “all-candidate” primary for U.S. Senate and House, statewide positions like governor, and the state legislature. It would ask primary voters to choose from all candidates for each of these races, regardless of political affiliation. The top four vote recipients would advance to the general election.
The new voting model would make elections in Colorado more expensive to administer, do away with Colorado’s post-election audit, and is designed to confuse voters and decrease participation.
Proposition 131 would not apply to the Presidential primary.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 131.
The following Judicial Retention selections are taken directly from the Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, the independent state-funded body that evaluates judges. Statewide and judicial districted commissions spend hours evaluating the overall performance of judges in each of the following criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public. The commissions then vote on if a judge either meets performance standards or does not meet performance standards.
If you would like to access a more detailed judicial evaluation, click on the "Website" near a judge's name.