House District 51
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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.
Congress
2nd Congressional District
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse is running for reelection in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District. Neguse, a lawyer and the son of Eritrean refugees, is the first and so far only Black American to serve Colorado in Congress. Prior to his election to Congress, Neguse served as a University of Colorado Regent representing the 2nd District and a legislative aide under Colorado Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff.
Rep. Neguse is the former vice-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and currently serves as Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, in addition to serving on the Rules, Natural Resources and Judiciary Committees. Neguse advocates for bold progressive policies to address the most pressing issues facing our nation, such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. His priorities to date in Congress have included lowering prescription drug prices, raising workers’ wages, ensuring greater accountability in government, and protecting public lands, which make up over 50% of his district.
In Rep. Neguse's first two-year term in office after election to Congress in 2018, he introduced more legislation than any freshman lawmaker in the country and has had more legislation signed into law than any member of Colorado’s congressional delegation. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Neguse played a key role in holding former President Donald Trump accountable in Trump's second impeachment trial. Before Congress, Neguse fought to expand opportunities for families across Colorado in a variety of roles: as a co-founder of New Era Colorado, the state’s largest youth voter registration and mobilization nonprofit; as a six-term member of CU’s Board of Regents; and as leader of the state’s consumer protection agency for two years.
Neguse is a self-described eternal optimist who will continue to provide Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District with enthusiastic, diligent, and bold representation if reelected.
Rep. Neguse's Republican opponent, Marshall Dawson, is the vice-chairman of the Boulder County Republicans with no elected experience, and is considered a placeholder candidate in a race where Republicans have no realistic chance at winning.
Rep. Joe Neguse has proven himself to be the clear progressive choice for Colorado.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse is running for reelection in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District. Neguse, a lawyer and the son of Eritrean refugees, is the first and so far only Black American to serve Colorado in Congress. Prior to his election to Congress, Neguse served as a University of Colorado Regent representing the 2nd District and a legislative aide under Colorado Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff.
Rep. Neguse is the former vice-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and currently serves as Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, in addition to serving on the Rules, Natural Resources and Judiciary Committees. Neguse advocates for bold progressive policies to address the most pressing issues facing our nation, such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. His priorities to date in Congress have included lowering prescription drug prices, raising workers’ wages, ensuring greater accountability in government, and protecting public lands, which make up over 50% of his district.
In Rep. Neguse's first two-year term in office after election to Congress in 2018, he introduced more legislation than any freshman lawmaker in the country and has had more legislation signed into law than any member of Colorado’s congressional delegation. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Neguse played a key role in holding former President Donald Trump accountable in Trump's second impeachment trial. Before Congress, Neguse fought to expand opportunities for families across Colorado in a variety of roles: as a co-founder of New Era Colorado, the state’s largest youth voter registration and mobilization nonprofit; as a six-term member of CU’s Board of Regents; and as leader of the state’s consumer protection agency for two years.
Neguse is a self-described eternal optimist who will continue to provide Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District with enthusiastic, diligent, and bold representation if reelected.
Rep. Neguse's Republican opponent, Marshall Dawson, is the vice-chairman of the Boulder County Republicans with no elected experience, and is considered a placeholder candidate in a race where Republicans have no realistic chance at winning.
Rep. Joe Neguse has proven himself to be the clear progressive choice for Colorado.
4th Congressional District
Trisha Calvarese is running for Congress to represent Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Calvarese grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, before graduating from Johns Hopkins University. Calvarese has worked for the AFL-CIO and the National Science Foundation. Calvarese is running on a platform of protecting Medicare and Social Security and championing rural communities in need of support for aging infrastructure and environmental risks like wildfires.
Calvarese's opponent, Rep. Lauren Boebert is one of the most polarizing and least effective members of Congress ever elected by Colorado voters. Rep. Boebert's first two terms in office were virtually devoid of accomplishments for the Third District, with Boebert repeatedly claiming credit for funding she voted against. Dissatisfaction with Boebert's representation and growing personal scandals forced Boebert to switch to run in the 4th Congressional District. After winning the CD-4 primary without majority support, Rep. Boebert has campaigned with controversial and discredited far-right members of Congress like Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida over her own constituents. Rep. Boebert has also been repeatedly cited by campaign finance regulators for use of campaign funds for personal interests.
Trisha Calvarase is the clear moral and ethical choice to represent the 4th Congressional District.
Trisha Calvarese is running for Congress to represent Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Calvarese grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, before graduating from Johns Hopkins University. Calvarese has worked for the AFL-CIO and the National Science Foundation. Calvarese is running on a platform of protecting Medicare and Social Security and championing rural communities in need of support for aging infrastructure and environmental risks like wildfires.
Calvarese's opponent, Rep. Lauren Boebert is one of the most polarizing and least effective members of Congress ever elected by Colorado voters. Rep. Boebert's first two terms in office were virtually devoid of accomplishments for the Third District, with Boebert repeatedly claiming credit for funding she voted against. Dissatisfaction with Boebert's representation and growing personal scandals forced Boebert to switch to run in the 4th Congressional District. After winning the CD-4 primary without majority support, Rep. Boebert has campaigned with controversial and discredited far-right members of Congress like Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida over her own constituents. Rep. Boebert has also been repeatedly cited by campaign finance regulators for use of campaign funds for personal interests.
Trisha Calvarase is the clear moral and ethical choice to represent the 4th Congressional District.
State Board of Education
Board of Education, 2nd Congressional District
Kathy Gebhardt is a Democrat running for the Colorado State Board of Education to represent Colorado's 2nd Congressional District. Gebhardt currently teaches education law at the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. Gebhardt formerly served on the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education, District C, and served for 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Association of School Boards. Gebhardt is running to support public education and improve school finance.
Gebhardt faces only a write-in Libertarian opponent, Ethan Augreen.
Kathy Gebhardt is the clear choice to represent the 2nd Congressional District on the Colorado State Board of Education.
Kathy Gebhardt is a Democrat running for the Colorado State Board of Education to represent Colorado's 2nd Congressional District. Gebhardt currently teaches education law at the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. Gebhardt formerly served on the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education, District C, and served for 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Association of School Boards. Gebhardt is running to support public education and improve school finance.
Gebhardt faces only a write-in Libertarian opponent, Ethan Augreen.
Kathy Gebhardt is the clear choice to represent the 2nd Congressional District on the Colorado State Board of Education.
Board of Education, 4th Congressional District
Krista Holtzmann is the Democratic candidate running for the Colorado State Board of Education to represent Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Holtzmann served an assistant state's attorney in Iowa and Illinois, including the position of Director of Operations for the Iowa Child Protective Training Academy, before moving to Colorado to serve as a volunteer attorney at the Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center. Holtzmann also served on the Douglas County School District Board of Directors. Holtzmann is running to expand opportunity and meet the educational needs of public school students across Colorado.
Holtzmann's opponent, longtime far-right political activist Kristi Burton Brown, is best known as the spokesperson for the failed "Personhood" abortion ban ballot measures that have appears on Colorado's statewide ballot several times since 2008. A former chairperson of the Colorado Republican Party, Burton Brown tried unsuccessfully to organize a recall election against now-Sen. Tom Sullivan, a leading gun safety advocate whose son was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting. Kristi Burton Brown is one of the state's leading advocates for irresponsible ballot measures to slash revenue to public schools and institute disastrous "voucher" programs to fund religious schools at the expense of public schools.
Krista Holtzmann is the obvious progressive choice to represent the 4th Congressional District on the Colorado State Board of Education over one of the state's foremost threats to public education.
Krista Holtzmann is the Democratic candidate running for the Colorado State Board of Education to represent Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Holtzmann served an assistant state's attorney in Iowa and Illinois, including the position of Director of Operations for the Iowa Child Protective Training Academy, before moving to Colorado to serve as a volunteer attorney at the Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center. Holtzmann also served on the Douglas County School District Board of Directors. Holtzmann is running to expand opportunity and meet the educational needs of public school students across Colorado.
Holtzmann's opponent, longtime far-right political activist Kristi Burton Brown, is best known as the spokesperson for the failed "Personhood" abortion ban ballot measures that have appears on Colorado's statewide ballot several times since 2008. A former chairperson of the Colorado Republican Party, Burton Brown tried unsuccessfully to organize a recall election against now-Sen. Tom Sullivan, a leading gun safety advocate whose son was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting. Kristi Burton Brown is one of the state's leading advocates for irresponsible ballot measures to slash revenue to public schools and institute disastrous "voucher" programs to fund religious schools at the expense of public schools.
Krista Holtzmann is the obvious progressive choice to represent the 4th Congressional District on the Colorado State Board of Education over one of the state's foremost threats to public education.
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.
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 14
Rep. Cathy Kipp is running for Senate District 14. Kipp has served in the Colorado State House since 2019 and is the chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee and is a member of the House Finance Committee.
Prior to serving in the State House, Kipp served on the Poudre School District School Board from 2011 to 2019. She has focused on supporting public education— working to elevate Colorado students for success.
Kipp has championed affordable housing and solutions to homelessnessas well as efforts to protect communities from wildfires. She will continue to advocate for all Coloradans by addressing climate change, prioritizing education, and fighting for working families.
Phoebe McWilliams is the Republican candidate, and Jeffry Brosius is the Libertarian running for Senate District 14.
Rep. Cathy Kipp is the progressive choice for Senate District 14.
Rep. Cathy Kipp is running for Senate District 14. Kipp has served in the Colorado State House since 2019 and is the chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee and is a member of the House Finance Committee.
Prior to serving in the State House, Kipp served on the Poudre School District School Board from 2011 to 2019. She has focused on supporting public education— working to elevate Colorado students for success.
Kipp has championed affordable housing and solutions to homelessnessas well as efforts to protect communities from wildfires. She will continue to advocate for all Coloradans by addressing climate change, prioritizing education, and fighting for working families.
Phoebe McWilliams is the Republican candidate, and Jeffry Brosius is the Libertarian running for Senate District 14.
Rep. Cathy Kipp is the progressive choice for Senate District 14.
Senator, District 23
Joseph Bobko is the Democratic write-in candidate running for Senate District 23. Pillars of Bobko’s candidacy include lowering property taxes, capping food and grocery prices, increasing minimum wage, and controlling land leases/space rental for people living in mobile or manufactured homes. He is an automotive mechanic and small business owner.
Bobko is running to replace Republican Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer,. Kirkmeyer has earned a reputation for uncompromising anti-abortion grandstanding and total devotion to the oil and gas industry. She helped lead an effort to begin the process of northern Colorado seceding from the state.
Joseph Bobko - write-in candidate - is the progressive candidate running for Senate District 23.
Joseph Bobko is the Democratic write-in candidate running for Senate District 23. Pillars of Bobko’s candidacy include lowering property taxes, capping food and grocery prices, increasing minimum wage, and controlling land leases/space rental for people living in mobile or manufactured homes. He is an automotive mechanic and small business owner.
Bobko is running to replace Republican Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer,. Kirkmeyer has earned a reputation for uncompromising anti-abortion grandstanding and total devotion to the oil and gas industry. She helped lead an effort to begin the process of northern Colorado seceding from the state.
Joseph Bobko - write-in candidate - is the progressive candidate running for Senate District 23.
Representative, District 51
Sarah McKeen is running for House District 51. McKeen is a Social Worker and CSU Graduate living and working in Loveland with a passion for social advocacy. She has served on the Loveland Planning Commission for the past 4 years and volunteers on the Larimer County Behavioral Health Committee. McKeen seeks to increase government and economic support for education, childcare, and senior citizens. She also believes in the need for environmental protections and climate action through renewable energy. McKeen supports laborers in conjunction with each of these issues acknowledging that “Supporting worker's rights also supports affordable & accessible housing, healthcare, childcare, and more.”
McKeen is challenging incumbent Ron Weinberg. Weinberg is a pro-militia, anti-abortion, TABOR (tax payers bill of rights) enthusiast who opposes the expansion of renewable energy in Colorado.
Sarah McKeen is the progressive running in House District 51.
Sarah McKeen is running for House District 51. McKeen is a Social Worker and CSU Graduate living and working in Loveland with a passion for social advocacy. She has served on the Loveland Planning Commission for the past 4 years and volunteers on the Larimer County Behavioral Health Committee. McKeen seeks to increase government and economic support for education, childcare, and senior citizens. She also believes in the need for environmental protections and climate action through renewable energy. McKeen supports laborers in conjunction with each of these issues acknowledging that “Supporting worker's rights also supports affordable & accessible housing, healthcare, childcare, and more.”
McKeen is challenging incumbent Ron Weinberg. Weinberg is a pro-militia, anti-abortion, TABOR (tax payers bill of rights) enthusiast who opposes the expansion of renewable energy in Colorado.
Sarah McKeen is the progressive running in House District 51.
Larimer County Commission
Kristin Stephens is seeking reelection to the Larimer County Commission for District 2. She has an extensive public service track record - formerly a member of the Fort Collins City Council and Mayor Pro Tem of Fort Collins. She also served as the Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties Transportation Committee, Vice Chair of the National League of Cities Human Development committee, and as Chair of the Non-Attainment Area Air Pollution Mitigation Enterprise.
Stephens has fought for climate action and environmental protections, pushing back against oil and gas extraction. She understands the need for increased affordable housing. Stephens helped secure funds from the American Rescue Plan in support of housing and childcare needs. She is a strong supporter of infrastructure development from highways to high speed internet. Stephens has taken steps to increase open space and recreational land use as well as promoting economic welfare. She has proven herself to be a dedicated progressive commissioner for the people of Larimer County.
Though Stephens is running unopposed, she is undeniably the progressive choice for County Commissioner of Larimer County District 2.
The Larimer County Commissioner position is elected county-wide or at-large.
Kristin Stephens is seeking reelection to the Larimer County Commission for District 2. She has an extensive public service track record - formerly a member of the Fort Collins City Council and Mayor Pro Tem of Fort Collins. She also served as the Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties Transportation Committee, Vice Chair of the National League of Cities Human Development committee, and as Chair of the Non-Attainment Area Air Pollution Mitigation Enterprise.
Stephens has fought for climate action and environmental protections, pushing back against oil and gas extraction. She understands the need for increased affordable housing. Stephens helped secure funds from the American Rescue Plan in support of housing and childcare needs. She is a strong supporter of infrastructure development from highways to high speed internet. Stephens has taken steps to increase open space and recreational land use as well as promoting economic welfare. She has proven herself to be a dedicated progressive commissioner for the people of Larimer County.
Though Stephens is running unopposed, she is undeniably the progressive choice for County Commissioner of Larimer County District 2.
The Larimer County Commissioner position is elected county-wide or at-large.
Jody Shadduck-McNally is the Democrat running for reelection as County Commissioner of Larimer County District 3. Shadduck-McNally is a long time public servant who has worked on issues such as education, trail restoration, food insecurity, and quality of life for the aging community. She was the first woman to serve in the D3 seat for Larimer County Commissioner. Shadduck-McNally currently serves the NACo Environment Energy Land Use Steering Committee and was appointed by Governor Polis to the State Forest Health Council.
Shadduck-McNally is a strong supporter of protecting our air, water, and land. She supported a grant for the first-ever Larimer County water assessment and water plan as well as championed open-space conservation. Shadduck-McNally understands the importance of access to behavioral and physical health care access. Through this, she is an advocate for police reform and the co-response model to decrease unnecessary harm or death during mental health emergencies. She will stand up for affordable housing, economic development, and transportation infrastructure all while supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Opposing Shadduck-McNally is Republican, Ben Aste. He has made no public statements about renewable energy or oil and gas, TABOR, or gun ownership.
Shadduck-McNally is a dedicated progressive for Larimer County District 3. The Larimer County Commissioner position is elected county-wide or at-large.
Jody Shadduck-McNally is the Democrat running for reelection as County Commissioner of Larimer County District 3. Shadduck-McNally is a long time public servant who has worked on issues such as education, trail restoration, food insecurity, and quality of life for the aging community. She was the first woman to serve in the D3 seat for Larimer County Commissioner. Shadduck-McNally currently serves the NACo Environment Energy Land Use Steering Committee and was appointed by Governor Polis to the State Forest Health Council.
Shadduck-McNally is a strong supporter of protecting our air, water, and land. She supported a grant for the first-ever Larimer County water assessment and water plan as well as championed open-space conservation. Shadduck-McNally understands the importance of access to behavioral and physical health care access. Through this, she is an advocate for police reform and the co-response model to decrease unnecessary harm or death during mental health emergencies. She will stand up for affordable housing, economic development, and transportation infrastructure all while supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Opposing Shadduck-McNally is Republican, Ben Aste. He has made no public statements about renewable energy or oil and gas, TABOR, or gun ownership.
Shadduck-McNally is a dedicated progressive for Larimer County District 3. The Larimer County Commissioner position is elected county-wide or at-large.
District Attorney, 8th Judicial District
Gordon McLaughlin is running for reelection in Colorado's 8th Judicial District. His work as a prosecutor was driven by a strong sense of justice, and he has tried cases "ranging from DUIs to homicides'. During his first term as district attorney, he prioritized improving community safety and increasing outreach and transparency of the district attorney's office.
Challenging him for office is Dawn Downs, an unaffiliated candidate running for the first time.
Gordon McLaughlin is the progressive choice for Judicial District 8.
Gordon McLaughlin is running for reelection in Colorado's 8th Judicial District. His work as a prosecutor was driven by a strong sense of justice, and he has tried cases "ranging from DUIs to homicides'. During his first term as district attorney, he prioritized improving community safety and increasing outreach and transparency of the district attorney's office.
Challenging him for office is Dawn Downs, an unaffiliated candidate running for the first time.
Gordon McLaughlin is the progressive choice for Judicial District 8.
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.
8th Judicial District
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Joseph Dean Findley MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Joseph Dean Findley MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Sarah B. Cure MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Sarah B. Cure MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Larimer County
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Joshua Blake Lehman MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Joshua Blake Lehman MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Kraig Ecton MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10-0, agrees that Judge Kraig Ecton 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.