A comprehensive, source-verified guide to every Democratic race on the ballot at the March 28 State Assembly in Pueblo — candidate records, campaign finance, and broken promises.
Incumbent Sen. John Hickenlooper faces a primary challenge from progressive State Sen. Julie Gonzales. Candidates must win 30% of delegate support at assembly to make the primary ballot.
Former geologist turned brewpub founder (Wynkoop Brewing). Denver Mayor (2003–2011), Governor (2011–2019), brief 2020 presidential candidate. Won Senate seat in 2020, defeating Republican Cory Gardner. Has said this will be his final Senate term.
Voted to confirm 10 of Trump's cabinet nominees — the most of any Democratic senator from a state Biden/Harris won by 10+ points. Defended the votes as creating "direct lines" into executive offices to protect Colorado. He was one of 8 Democrats to initially vote against reopening the government, pushing for health insurance tax credit extensions.
Source: Colorado Newsline analysis (April 2025), GovTrack.us. Hickenlooper was identified as the Democratic caucus' "number one outlier," voting with Trump and GOP colleagues roughly 25% of the time while representing a state Harris won by 11 points.
Source: FEC filings, Colorado Newsline (Feb 2026), Colorado Politics (Feb 2026).
Military Service: None.
Source: hickenlooper.senate.gov, GovTrack.us, FEC filings, CPR News (Sept 2025).
Born on the San Carlos Apache reservation in Arizona; raised in South Texas. Yale University graduate (History & Ethnicity, Race, and Migration, 2005). Moved to Denver; became a community organizer working on tenant and immigrant rights. JD from University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Elected to Colorado Senate in 2018 representing central Denver. Serves as Senate Majority Whip and chairs the Judiciary Committee and Committee on Legal Services — one of only 3 senators to chair multiple committees.
Since 2018, Gonzales has been the prime sponsor of significant legislation across multiple issue areas:
Source: Colorado General Assembly records, Wikipedia, CPR News (Dec 2025), julieforcolorado.com.
Medicare for All · Universal child care · Higher federal minimum wage · Ban on congressional stock trading · Abolish ICE · Protect abortion rights & gender-affirming care · Palestinian self-determination · No corporate PAC money
Source: FEC filings, Colorado Newsline (Feb 2026). Gonzales: "I'm not going to out-fundraise a multimillionaire incumbent backed by the political establishment."
A Feb 2026 Data for Progress poll (739 likely Dem primary voters) found Hickenlooper leading initial ballot 38%–35% with 24% undecided. After voters read positive and negative arguments about both candidates, Gonzales moved into a 7-point lead (40%–33%) — outside the margin of error.
Source: Data for Progress / Working Families Party poll, Feb 2026.
In December 2025, the Colorado Democratic Party reportedly told several Gonzales campaign workers they would be "blacklisted" from future Democratic work if they challenged Hickenlooper. The party later distanced itself from these threats. Gonzales was a member of DSA from 2018–2024 but identifies as "a Democrat." If elected, she would be the first woman and first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate from Colorado.
Military Service: None.
Source: Colorado General Assembly records, julieforcolorado.com, CPR News. Note: Gonzales's federal military/veterans platform is still developing.
Karen Breslin — College professor and 2022 Senate candidate. First Democrat to file against Hickenlooper. Raised ~$130K in 2025 but finished with only $7,284 cash on hand as of Jan 2026. Focused on campaign finance reform and progressive economic policy.
Brashad Hasley — Software engineer. Platforms include Medicare for All, AI guardrails to protect jobs and privacy, and piloting a 32-hour workweek with no pay cuts. Completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
A.J. Zimpfer — Accountant. Limited public profile and fundraising. Focused on fiscal accountability.
🎖️ Veterans & Military — Minor Senate Candidates
None of the minor Democratic Senate candidates (Breslin, Hasley, Zimpfer) have publicly released veterans or military policy platforms. No military service records confirmed. Hasley's platform includes AI guardrails that could affect defense-sector AI deployment.
Source: FEC filings, Ballotpedia, Colorado Newsline (Feb 2026).
| Issue | Hickenlooper | Gonzales |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Public option ("universal" per campaign) | Medicare for All; single-payer |
| Trump Nominees | Voted to confirm 10; says it "reduced the damage" by building relationships | Called votes "disqualifying"; advocates blanket opposition |
| Immigration | Bipartisan border security approach | Abolish ICE; expand sanctuary protections |
| Corporate PACs | Accepts PAC and institutional money | Refuses all corporate PAC money |
| Approach | "Work across the aisle" moderate institutionalism | "Bold, unapologetic" progressive confrontation |
| Fundraising | $3.8M cash on hand | ~$179K raised (late Dec start) |
| Assembly Path | Petition-qualified (17,700 sigs); may also seek assembly | Assembly-only route; needs 30% delegate support |
Six Republicans are running. Colorado hasn't elected a Republican statewide since 2016. The seat is rated "Solid Democrat" by national forecasters.
Leading Republican fundraiser for this race. Former state representative from HD-16 in Colorado Springs. Also ran for CD-8 in 2024. Physician by profession.
Military Service: None confirmed. Physician.
Former state representative from Colorado Springs (HD-16, 2011–2017). As a physician, healthcare access for veterans would be relevant. Based in Colorado Springs near military installations. No specific veterans platform publicly available.
Source: Ballotpedia.
Retired Marine Corps veteran making his first run for office. Combined fundraising with Joshi totals ~$267K — less than one-tenth of Hickenlooper's war chest.
Military Service: Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel. Career military officer.
Highest-ranking military veteran among all 2026 Senate candidates (any party). As a retired Marine Colonel, Markert brings direct military leadership experience. First-time candidate; specific veterans policy positions not yet detailed. Combined fundraising with Joshi totals ~$267K — significantly less than Hickenlooper's war chest.
Source: Ballotpedia, Colorado Newsline.
State Senator since 2023. Technology background. Also explored a governor's race before switching to Senate. Campaign platform: "Making Colorado Great Again." Raised ~$13K with ~$3,500 on hand.
Military Service: None confirmed.
State Senator from Woodland Park (SD-4). "Making Colorado Great Again" campaign aligns with Trump on defense and military issues. Represents a district near Fort Carson and other military installations. Specific veterans platform not detailed.
Source: Ballotpedia, Colorado General Assembly.
Amanda Calderon (R) — Business owner. Circulating petitions.
Dathan Jones (R) — First-time candidate. Circulating petitions.
Sean Pond (R) — Montrose County Commissioner. Circulating petitions.
Independents/Third Party (General Election): Clinton Dale, Joshua Kuebler, Robert Wolfe, Matthew Wood.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Note
No military service records or specific veterans policy platforms confirmed for these candidates.
Gov. Jared Polis is term-limited. The Democratic primary is a two-person race between U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser. Republicans haven't won a gubernatorial election in Colorado since 2002.
Son of diplomat Douglas Bennet. Yale Law School grad. Former law clerk, DOJ counsel under Clinton, managing director at Anschutz Investment Company. Chief of Staff to Denver Mayor Hickenlooper (2003–2005). Superintendent of Denver Public Schools (2005–2009). Appointed to Senate in 2009 when Ken Salazar became Interior Secretary; elected 2010, 2016, 2022. Brief 2020 presidential run. Announced governor campaign April 11, 2025. Would resign Senate seat if elected and appoint his own successor.
16 years in the Senate. Introduced 120+ bills. Served on Finance, Intelligence, Rules, and Agriculture committees. Led on child tax credit expansion and bipartisan immigration reform (which ultimately stalled). Like Hickenlooper, voted with Republicans about 25% of the time in 2025 — drew activist criticism for confirming some Trump nominees while representing a safe blue state. Has defended his approach as "strategic" rather than "futile" blanket opposition.
Source: Colorado Newsline (April 2025). Both Colorado senators voted with Trump about a quarter of the time, the biggest pro-Trump skew relative to their state's partisanship in the entire Democratic caucus.
Housing affordability as top priority · Fight Trump administration cuts to Medicaid and federal programs from the state level · Make Colorado "the best state to live, work, and raise a family" · Education reform (leveraging DPS superintendent background) · Climate and public lands protection
Source: Colorado Politics (Oct 2025), PostIndependent poll (June 2025).
Weiser argues Bennet is abandoning his Senate post mid-term during a critical period. Activists note his Trump-nominee votes. His 2020 presidential campaign failed to gain traction. If elected, his successor in the Senate would be appointed rather than elected — raising democratic accountability concerns. Over 50% of early fundraising came from super PACs including billionaire Michael Bloomberg.
Military Service: None (son of diplomat Douglas Bennet).
Source: bennet.senate.gov, CPR News (Sept 2025, Jan 2024), Colorado Newsline.
Former antitrust lawyer at DOJ. Dean of University of Colorado Law School. First elected AG in 2018, breaking a 14-year Republican streak; re-elected 2022. First major Democrat to enter the governor's race (January 2025). Term-limited in 2026. First elected office was AG — no prior campaigns.
Weiser's signature accomplishments as AG center on using legal authority to protect Colorado:
Source: Colorado Newsline (Jan 2025), Colorado Politics (Feb 2026). Note: Bennet's campaign has pointed out Weiser "added his name" to most lawsuits rather than leading them; Weiser counters with $1B recovered.
"The People's Lawyer" — positioning himself as a proven fighter who has directly taken on Trump from Colorado, rather than from within a dysfunctional Washington. Emphasizes on-the-ground state experience vs. Bennet's federal focus. "While Senator Bennet has been in Washington, I have served Colorado."
Weiser is going exclusively through the caucus and assembly process — not petitioning. His campaign has actively urged supporters to caucus and serve as delegates, framing this as a grassroots vs. establishment test.
Source: philforcolorado.com/caucus.
Limited courtroom experience before becoming AG (was a law school dean). Bennet allies argue Weiser has ridden other people's lawsuits rather than initiating them. Significantly behind in polls and fundraising. Lower name recognition statewide compared to a three-term senator.
Military Service: None.
Source: philforcolorado.com, Colorado AG press releases.
David Hughes — Limited public profile. Filed as a candidate for the Democratic primary.
William Moses — Former county prosecutor and Baptist deacon from Pueblo. Master's from Webster University (Public Administration). Emphasizes civil rights activism background and community service. Extensive law enforcement ties; Honorary Member of County Sheriffs of Colorado.
Erik Underwood — Limited public profile. Filed as a candidate.
🎖️ Veterans & Military — Minor Governor Candidates
William Moses: Former county prosecutor from Pueblo. Honorary Member of County Sheriffs of Colorado and extensive law enforcement ties — may intersect with military/veteran community. Master's from Webster University (which has a strong military campus program). No specific veterans platform. Hughes and Underwood have limited public profiles with no veterans positions available.
Source: Ballotpedia Candidate Connection surveys.
| Issue | Bennet | Weiser |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Trump Strategy | Strategic engagement; "pick your battles" in the Senate | Legal warfare; 12+ lawsuits; $1B recovered for CO |
| Housing | Central campaign issue; federal legislative experience | RealPage rent-fixing lawsuit; consumer protection focus |
| Experience | 16 years in Senate, DPS Superintendent, Hickenlooper CoS | 8 years as AG, CU Law Dean, DOJ antitrust |
| Senate Seat | Would appoint his own successor (no election) | Not applicable (AG term-limited) |
| Establishment Support | Hickenlooper, Neguse, Crow, Denver mayors, legislative leaders | Romer, Lamm; grassroots/assembly-focused |
| Fundraising | Large lead; $3.5M+ Super PAC support | Behind; assembly-route emphasis |
A massive, crowded GOP field with no clear frontrunner. Republicans haven't won a Colorado governor's race since 2002. Top-tier candidates are circulating petitions and going through assembly. Key themes: anti-one-party-rule, Tina Peters pardon, immigration enforcement, spending cuts.
Brighton. Nearly 2 decades as Weld County Commissioner. On the legislature's Joint Budget Committee. 2022 CD-8 nominee. Endorsed by fmr. Gov. Bill Owens and Rep. Gabe Evans. Leading fundraiser ($55K+, 1/3 of all GOP money). Supports 10% across-the-board spending cuts, undoing sanctuary policies, and TABOR defense. Known for anti-abortion stances and support of 2013 secession effort. Loyal to Trump.
Source: Colorado Newsline (Sept 2025), Westword (Jan 2026).
Military Service: None confirmed.
State Senator, Joint Budget Committee member — involved in state budget decisions affecting veteran services. Nearly two decades as Weld County Commissioner near Buckley SFB. 2022 CD-8 nominee. Supports undoing sanctuary policies, which intersects with military/ICE cooperation debate. Supports 10% across-the-board spending cuts, which could affect state veteran services. Loyal to Trump on defense issues.
Source: Colorado Newsline, Westword.
Colorado Springs pastor. First major R candidate to enter (Jan 2025). Known for anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in the statehouse, fighting gay marriage, disparaging remarks about transgender individuals. Won a straw poll at a Northern Colorado forum. Raised ~$38K. Focus: public safety, fiscal responsibility.
Military Service: None confirmed.
Colorado Springs-based state representative and pastor. Represents a military-heavy community. Focus on public safety and fiscal responsibility. No specific veterans policy platform publicly available.
Source: Ballotpedia.
Background in training special forces. Fought 7-year ACLU lawsuit over ICE cooperation — court ruled some of his actions were allowed, others were not. Wants to undo sanctuary policies and put "law enforcement first." Said he doesn't need the National Guard to address crime. Emphasizes housing, education, public safety.
Military Service: Background in training special forces (not confirmed as active-duty service member).
Source: Colorado Newsline, ACLU of Colorado.
Founder of All Things Possible Ministries; 2M+ social media followers. Marine veteran. Claims to have rescued 45,000+ women and children from danger worldwide. Endorsed by Rep. Lauren Boebert. Platform: "lead with courage, protect families, restore values." Circulating petitions.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Colorado Springs.
Marine veteran and founder of All Things Possible Ministries. Claims to have rescued 45,000+ women and children from danger worldwide through his ministry. Endorsed by Rep. Lauren Boebert. Military service is central to his campaign identity. Platform emphasizes "leading with courage" and protecting families. Specific VA/veterans policy positions not detailed beyond general pro-military rhetoric. Colorado Springs base gives him connection to the military community.
Source: Campaign website, Ballotpedia.
Joe Oltmann (R) — Right-wing podcaster. Known for peddling debunked election conspiracies and calling for execution of Colorado politicians. Campaign built on freeing Tina Peters from prison. Assembly route.
Greg Lopez (R→Independent) — Former U.S. Rep from CD-4 (2024–2025). 3rd gubernatorial run (ran as R in 2018 and 2022). Air Force veteran. Now running as Independent. Raised ~$23K.
Joshua Griffin (R) — R&D firm founder. 2024 congressional candidate. Circulating petitions. Would consider commuting Tina Peters' sentence.
Will McBride (R) — Attorney. Wants to eliminate state income tax, cut "bloated bureaucracy."
Mark Baisley (R) — State Senator SD-4, Woodland Park. Tech background. "Making Colorado Great Again." Raised ~$13K. (Also explored Senate race.)
Other declared: Bob Brinkerhoff, Jason Clark, Jon Gray-Ginsberg, Kelvin "K-Man" Wimberly, Robin Jones, Stevan Gess, and several others. 21+ total Republican candidates.
🎖️ Veterans & Military — Other GOP Governor Candidates
Greg Lopez: U.S. Air Force veteran. Former U.S. Representative (CD-4, 2024–2025). Now running as Independent. Third gubernatorial run. Military service is a biographical element but no detailed veterans platform released. Mark Baisley: State Senator from Woodland Park near military installations. No military service confirmed. Joe Oltmann: No military service confirmed; known for election conspiracy rhetoric. Other candidates have not released specific veterans platforms.
Source: Wikipedia, Westword (Jan 2026), Denver Post (Oct 2025), Colorado Newsline (Jan 2026).
Greg Lopez — Former Republican U.S. Rep (CD-4, 2024–2025). Running as Independent after two prior Republican gubernatorial campaigns (2018, 2022).
🎖️ Veterans & Military — Lopez
Military Service: U.S. Air Force veteran. Air Force service is a key part of his biography. Three-time gubernatorial candidate. No detailed veterans policy platform released for this race despite military background. Raised ~$23K.
Four Democrats are competing to succeed term-limited AG Phil Weiser (Crisanta Duran dropped out Sept 2025). This race features an active debate over legal experience, courtroom credentials, and the frontrunner's resume claims.
Born in Toledo, Ohio; moved to Estes Park, CO at age 10. Whitman College (magna cum laude, Politics & Spanish Lit, 2006). UPenn Law School (JD, 2011). Watson Foundation Fellow. Voter protection attorney for Obama 2012 campaign. Directed Gov. Hickenlooper's DC office. First Democrat elected Secretary of State since 1958; first Democratic woman to ever hold the office. Reelected 2022 by double digits. Term-limited in 2026.
At a campaign forum, Griswold claimed she "argued at the U.S. Supreme Court." Independent legal experts and 9News called this inaccurate. Griswold was listed as a party in the Trump ballot disqualification case (Griswold v. Colorado Republican Party), but the AG's solicitor general handled oral arguments. Her campaign acknowledged she did not personally argue the case but said she "worked closely to shape the arguments." Dougherty has run TV ads attacking this claim.
Source: Axios Denver (March 10, 2026), 9News.
Limited courtroom experience — has argued one case before a judge. Skipped Denver Press Club candidate forum (was at a fundraiser). Resume exaggeration on Supreme Court claim. Password security incident as SOS. Rivals argue Colorado needs "a battle-tested lawyer, not another politician."
Military Service: None.
As Secretary of State, Griswold expanded vote-by-mail and automatic voter registration that benefit military members and overseas voters. Her office administers UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) compliance. No specific veterans litigation or military policy platform released for AG race. AG role would involve defending state laws that may intersect with federal military/immigration enforcement.
Source: Colorado SOS office, Ballotpedia.
Grew up in New York. Nassau Community College, Cornell University (BA), Boston University School of Law (JD). Started career at Manhattan DA's Office prosecuting sex crimes and homicides (12+ years). Moved to Colorado; led the AG's Criminal Justice Section under Republican AG John Suthers. Deputy DA for Jefferson/Gilpin counties. Appointed Boulder DA by Gov. Hickenlooper in 2018; elected unopposed three times. Adjunct professor at CU Law. Ultramarathoner (completed Leadville 100).
Claims "thousands of cases" argued in 29 years. Handled a trial as recently as December 2025. More than half of Colorado's elected DAs — from both parties — have endorsed him, representing nearly two-thirds of the state's counties.
Lower name recognition and fundraising than Griswold. Boulder-heavy endorsement base may limit statewide appeal. No statewide electoral experience.
Military Service: None.
As Boulder County DA, Dougherty's office has worked with veterans treatment courts to provide alternatives to incarceration for veterans involved in the justice system. His 29-year prosecutorial career includes working under Republican AG John Suthers at the state AG's office, demonstrating bipartisan approach. No specific military/veterans policy platform released for AG race.
Source: Boulder County DA office, campaign statements.
First-generation Indian American. University of Virginia Law School. Served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for Colorado (2014–2022), including on Obama's financial fraud task force investigating white-collar crimes from the Great Recession. Then Deputy Assistant AG in DOJ's Antitrust Division (2022–2025) under Biden, where she led landmark antitrust cases against Google, Apple, Ticketmaster, and RealPage. Denver resident.
Federal prosecution experience at both state and federal levels, civil and criminal. Led the DOJ's biggest antitrust cases against tech monopolies. Campaign emphasizes being "a battle-tested lawyer" rather than a politician. Focus areas: defending Colorado from Trump, fighting for a fair economy, protecting public safety.
No electoral experience. Less name recognition than Griswold or Dougherty. Entered race later (June 2025). Federal, not state-level, legal focus may not translate directly to state AG role.
Military Service: None.
Federal prosecution experience at DOJ Antitrust Division could be relevant to cases involving defense contractor fraud and military procurement issues. Served as Assistant U.S. Attorney in Colorado (2014–2022), where caseload may have included fraud affecting military personnel. No specific veterans/military policy platform released.
Source: DOJ records, campaign website.
Harvard Law School graduate. Executive director of Towards Justice, a Denver-based progressive nonprofit law firm focused on worker and consumer rights. Previously an attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. Experience before state and federal courts across the country. Has worked alongside the AG's office on cases in Colorado.
Holding corporations accountable, fighting political corruption, stopping unfair workplace practices, defending consumers, and standing up to big corporations. Positions himself as the most progressive candidate with a direct litigation track record on labor and consumer rights.
No prosecutorial experience (civil/consumer focus). No electoral experience. Lowest polling among top candidates in Griswold's internal poll (4%). Narrow issue focus on worker/consumer rights may not cover full AG mandate (criminal justice, public safety, environmental law).
Military Service: None.
As director of Towards Justice, Seligman's worker and consumer rights focus may intersect with protections for veteran employees facing workplace discrimination. No specific veterans or military policy platform released for AG race.
Source: Towards Justice, campaign website.
Crisanta Duran — Former Speaker of the Colorado House (2017–2019), representing District 5 (Denver). DU undergrad (Public Policy & Spanish), CU Law JD. Entered race March 2025. Dropped out September 1, 2025, citing a desire to "take on monopolies of power." Her departure narrowed the field to four.
No military service or specific veterans policy positions confirmed for Duran.
Source: CPR News (Sept 1, 2025).
| Factor | Griswold | Dougherty | Doshi | Seligman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtroom Experience | Minimal (1 case argued) | 29 years, "thousands of cases" | 20+ years federal prosecution | Civil litigation (worker/consumer) |
| Electoral Experience | 2 statewide wins as SOS | 3 DA elections (unopposed) | None | None |
| Name Recognition | Highest (66% ID) | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Fundraising | $1M+ (dominant) | Competitive | $265K first day | $250K first day |
| Unique Pitch | Proven statewide fighter; election defender | Most trial experience; bipartisan DA support | Broke up Google, Apple, Ticketmaster at DOJ | Worker/consumer rights champion |
| Key Vulnerability | Resume exaggeration; limited legal practice | Lower name ID; Boulder-centric | No electoral track record | No prosecution background |
Filed for the Republican primary. Limited public profile and campaign information available as of March 2026.
Military Service: Not confirmed.
Limited public profile. No veterans/military policy positions publicly available.
First Republican to file for AG. Political newcomer. Colorado Republican Party Chair Brita Horn has used Griswold's involvement in the Trump ballot case as an argument against her candidacy, saying the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against Colorado's position. Limited fundraising compared to Democratic field.
Military Service: Not confirmed.
Political newcomer. No veterans/military policy positions publicly available.
Two Democrats — Jessie Danielson and Amanda Gonzalez — are running to succeed term-limited Jena Griswold.
4th-generation Coloradan, grew up on family farm in Weld County. State lawmaker since 2015 (House, then Senate SD-22 in Wheat Ridge/Lakewood area). Former CO State Director for America Votes (election access advocacy). Former political director for NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado. Named Colorado AFL-CIO "Labor Champion" in 2022. Married to Democratic strategist Andy Kabza.
Campaign message: "I helped build the system that made Colorado a national model for secure, fair and accessible elections — and now I'm running to protect it."
Source: Colorado Newsline (July 2025), Colorado Politics (July 2025).
Military Service: None.
As a state legislator, Danielson helped pass Colorado's automatic voter registration and expanded mail-in voting — both of which benefit deployed military personnel and overseas voters. The SOS office administers UOCAVA compliance ensuring military members can vote from anywhere. Her farm-community background in Weld County includes connections to military families near Buckley Space Force Base.
Source: Colorado General Assembly, campaign website.
Occidental College (BA, 2006), DU Sturm College of Law (JD, 2011). Attorney and former Executive Director of Colorado Common Cause, where she helped write laws creating automatic voter registration, expanding ballot drop boxes, and safeguarding fair redistricting. Elected JeffCo Clerk & Recorder — first Latina and first openly LGBTQ person to hold the office. Manages voting for nearly 600,000 residents. First in her immediate family to graduate college and law school.
Campaign emphasis: "No on-the-job training required." Would be first Latina and first LGBTQ Secretary of State in Colorado history.
Source: Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey, Colorado Sun (July 2025).
Military Service: None.
As Jefferson County Clerk, Gonzalez administers elections for a county adjacent to Buckley Space Force Base, serving military voters. Implemented jail-based voting and expanded multilingual ballot access. The SOS role would oversee UOCAVA military/overseas voter compliance statewide. No specific military/veterans policy platform released.
Source: JeffCo Clerk's office, campaign website.
| Factor | Danielson | Gonzalez |
|---|---|---|
| Election Experience | Wrote election laws as legislator & advocate | Actually runs elections (JeffCo Clerk) |
| Background | 10+ years as state legislator; America Votes | Attorney; Common Cause ED; County Clerk |
| Historic Candidacy | — | Would be first Latina & first LGBTQ SOS |
| Key Pitch | "I built this system; now I'll protect it" | "Only candidate who's actually run elections" |
Four Republicans: James McKinzie, Cory Parella (Denver), Ross Taraborelli (Highlands Ranch), and James Wiley. Limited public information available on most candidates.
🎖️ No military service records or veterans policy positions confirmed for GOP SOS candidates.
Celeste Landry and Melissa Richards (Englewood, Unaffiliated) are running in the general election.
🎖️ No military service records or veterans policy positions confirmed for Independent SOS candidates.
Four Democrats — Jeff Bridges, Gerald Ditullio, John Mikos, and Brianna Titone — are running to succeed term-limited Dave Young.
Greenwood Village. State Rep (2017–2019, HD-3), then State Senator SD-26 (2020–present). Chair of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) — the legislature's most powerful fiscal body. Led the JBC through the $1.2 billion budget shortfall caused by federal cuts. Sponsored full-day kindergarten, pandemic small business relief, and comprehensive paid sick leave. Long endorsement list from legislative leadership.
Source: Colorado Politics (April 2025), Colorado Newsline (April 2025).
Military Service: None.
As JBC Chair, Bridges oversees state budget allocations that include funding for Colorado's Division of Veterans Affairs and state-funded veteran services. Led the legislature through a $1.2B budget shortfall caused by federal cuts — directly impacting veteran service funding. The State Treasurer manages investment portfolios that include state pension obligations affecting retired state employees, including those who served in the military.
Source: Colorado General Assembly, JBC records.
Arvada. First transgender member of the Colorado General Assembly (elected 2018). Vice-Chair of House Finance Committee and Chair of Joint Technology Committee. Career geologist before politics. Term-limited in the House. If elected, would be the first transgender person elected to a statewide executive office in U.S. history.
Source: Colorado Sun (Feb 2025), Wikipedia.
Military Service: None.
As Vice-Chair of House Finance Committee, Titone has worked on state budget issues including funding for veteran services. Her HD-27 district (Arvada) includes veteran households connected to nearby military installations. As a transgender legislator, Titone's advocacy intersects with military policy — the Trump administration's ban on transgender service members is a relevant issue. No specific veterans policy platform released for treasurer race.
Source: Colorado General Assembly, Wikipedia.
Elected Jefferson County Treasurer. Brings direct treasury/finance management experience at the county level. Endorsed by House Majority Leader Monica Duran, state Rep. Sheila Lieder, and state Sen. Lindsey Daugherty. Entered the race before Bridges or Titone.
Source: Colorado Sun (Feb 2025), Wikipedia.
Military Service: None confirmed.
As Jefferson County Treasurer, DiTullio manages county finances including tax collection for areas near Buckley Space Force Base. County finance experience relevant to managing state investments that affect veteran pension obligations. No specific veterans policy platform released.
Source: JeffCo Treasurer's office.
Monument, CO. Former chairman of the El Paso County Democratic Party. First Democrat to file for treasurer (Nov 2025). Limited public profile compared to other candidates. Management consultant background. Running on a party-organizing and fiscal accountability platform.
Source: Colorado Sun, Ballotpedia.
Military Service: None confirmed.
Based in Monument (El Paso County), Mikos is deeply embedded in a military-heavy community. As former El Paso County Democratic Party chair, he organized in a district with Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain, and the Air Force Academy. His management consulting background and local party work suggest familiarity with military community needs, though no specific veterans policy platform has been released.
Source: Ballotpedia, Colorado Sun.
Former President of the Colorado State Senate (2017–2019). Currently serving as a Fremont County Commissioner. Only Republican to file for treasurer. Has significant legislative experience including fiscal oversight. Entered the race in September 2025.
Source: CPR News (Sept 2025), Ballotpedia.
Military Service: Not confirmed.
Former President of the Colorado State Senate. Fremont County Commissioner. Legislative experience includes fiscal oversight that would have involved veteran service budget decisions. No specific veterans platform released for treasurer race.
Source: CPR News, Ballotpedia.
Murl Hendrickson IV is running in the general election as an unaffiliated candidate.
🎖️ No military service or veterans policy positions confirmed.
For the first time in its 50+ year history, national Democrats are targeting Colorado's 5th District. Both Jessica Killin and Joe Reagan qualified at the March 14 district assembly. Matt Cavanaugh dropped out March 18.
4th-generation Coloradan, born and raised in Colorado Springs. Graduated Falcon High School. ROTC scholarship; served 1995–2003 as U.S. Army paratrooper and military police officer in Europe, reaching rank of Captain. Deployed on Balkans peacekeeping missions and NATO expansion. Georgetown University Law Center (JD); later taught there. Career: lead lobbyist for USAA (military financial services, VA home loans, fighting predatory lenders). Then Congressional chief of staff for Reps. Donna Shalala, Carolyn Maloney, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Chief of Staff to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (Deputy Assistant to President Biden). Returned to Colorado Springs summer 2025.
Self-describes as "middle-of-the-road centrist, almost center-right Democrat." Supports restoring Roe v. Wade but says she wouldn't personally choose abortion. Supports expanding insurance coverage but opposes Medicare for All. Criticizes Crank's vote for the "One Big Beautiful Bill" for stripping 225,000 Coloradans of healthcare while adding $3T+ to national debt. On immigration: thinks Biden was too slow to close border; agrees with Trump's border shutdown but calls deportation measures "immoral and illegal."
Also qualified by petition (2,204 valid of 3,511 submitted). Dual qualification (petition + assembly).
Source: FEC filings, Colorado Politics (Dec 2025, March 2026). Her $1.6M is more than any Democrat has ever raised for this seat. She outraised Crank ($1.2M). Crank's campaign calls her a "D.C. Swamp creature" noting 90%+ out-of-state donations.
Only recently moved back to CO Springs after 20+ years in DC. 90%+ out-of-state fundraising raises "carpetbagger" concerns. DC insider background (lobbyist, White House staff) may not resonate in a military-heavy district that values local ties. Centrist positioning may dampen progressive base enthusiasm.
Oct 2025 Global Strategy Group poll (450 likely voters): Killin trails Crank 43%–40% in initial matchup (within MOE). After bio/policy info, Killin pulls slightly ahead. Crank has 59% name ID but net-negative favorability. Trump and MAGA Republicans have net-negative favorability in the district.
Military Service: U.S. Army Captain (1995–2003). Paratrooper, military police officer. Balkans peacekeeping, NATO expansion. ROTC scholarship.
Source: killinforcolorado.com, EMILY's List, VoteVets, Colorado Politics (July 2025, March 2026), Colorado Springs Gazette.
Army combat veteran. Norwich University graduate (the nation's oldest private military college). Director of outreach for Wreaths Across America. Currently director of business outreach at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs. Ran for this seat in 2024, losing the Democratic primary to River Gassen. Deep local roots and community ties in El Paso County.
Lost 2024 CD-5 Democratic primary to River Gassen, who went on to lose the general to Crank by 14 points. Gassen raised less than $175K total — a fraction of what Killin has raised this cycle. Reagan's return represents a belief that the district has shifted enough to be competitive with the right candidate and national environment.
Cleared 30% threshold at assembly. Also petitioned (pending verification).
"This race is about MAGA vs. the rest of us." Emphasizes local community trust, volunteer infrastructure, and cross-partisan credibility built over years of service in the region. Argues that national consultants and DC money can't replicate authentic local relationships. Positions himself as the grassroots, community-first alternative to Killin's establishment-backed campaign.
Years of established community relationships in El Paso County. Local credibility that "no dollar amount can replicate." Second-time candidate with institutional knowledge of the district. Argues the district needs a local face, not a DC returnee.
Already lost once in 2024 primary. Massive fundraising disadvantage vs. Killin ($1.6M). Limited national support/endorsements compared to Killin's full Democratic congressional delegation backing. Question of whether grassroots approach alone can beat a well-funded Republican in a R+5 district.
Military Service: U.S. Army combat veteran. Norwich University graduate (nation's oldest private military college). Two combat tours in Afghanistan. Exposed to toxic burn pits.
Source: veteranscenter.org, Colorado Springs Gazette (April 2024 forum), LinkedIn, Reagan campaign, Gazette (Oct 2025).
Matt Cavanaugh (WITHDRAWN March 18) — Retired Army Lt. Colonel, West Point grad, ultramarathoner, kidney donor. Originally ran as independent (Oct 2025), switched to Democratic primary (Jan 2026). Dropped out after petition firm TouchStone failed to collect enough valid signatures. May still appear on general election ballot as an independent. Said he plans to help Democrats win the House.
Zurit Zuriel Horowitz — Nonprofit leader, community activist, former member of Citizens' Transportation Advisory Board. Received 25.2% at assembly — fell short of the 30% threshold. Did not qualify for primary.
Justice Lord — Longtime activist. Received 0.9% at assembly. Did not qualify.
🎖️ Veterans & Military — Withdrawn/Other CD-5 Candidates
Matt Cavanaugh (WITHDRAWN): Retired Army Lt. Colonel. West Point graduate. Extensive military career and combat deployments. Was the third Army veteran in the CD-5 Democratic field before withdrawing. May still appear on the general election ballot as Independent. Zurit Zuriel Horowitz and Justice Lord: No military service records confirmed. Did not qualify for primary.
Source: Colorado Politics (March 2026), KOAA News.
| Factor | Killin | Reagan |
|---|---|---|
| Military Service | Army Captain, paratrooper, MP (1995–2003) | Army combat veteran, Norwich grad |
| Local Ties | 4th-gen Coloradan, Falcon HS; but 20+ yrs in DC | Years of active community work in El Paso County |
| DC Experience | Extensive (White House, Congress, lobbying) | Minimal |
| Fundraising | $1.6M+ (90% out-of-state) | Far behind; grassroots model |
| Assembly Finish | 1st (39.6%, top-line) | 2nd (34.2%, qualified) |
| Endorsements | Full CO Dem delegation, EMILY's List, VoteVets | Local/grassroots focused |
| Ideology | Self-described "center-right Democrat" | Broad coalition / anti-MAGA |
| Prior Races | First-time candidate | 2024 CD-5 primary (lost) |
Former radio host and longtime political operative. Won 2024 election by 14 points (54.7%), defeating Dave Williams in the GOP primary and River Gassen (D) in the general. Qualified for 2026 primary by petition (2,442 valid signatures). No Republican primary challenger. Voted for Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," which Democrats argue stripped 225,000 Coloradans of healthcare while adding $3T+ to the national debt. Killin's internal poll shows Crank with 59% name ID but net-negative favorability, and only a 3-point lead in a head-to-head matchup.
Source: Colorado Politics, Ballotpedia, FEC.
Military Service: None (former radio host/political operative).
Source: Colorado Politics, joint delegation statement (Sept 2025), FEC.
Matt Cavanaugh (Independent) — Despite dropping out of the Democratic primary, Cavanaugh is still listed as a general election candidate. Also: Steven Fuller (Unaffiliated) and Roy Matthewson (Unaffiliated).
🎖️ Veterans & Military — Independents
Matt Cavanaugh: Retired Army Lt. Colonel, West Point graduate. Would have been the most senior military officer in the CD-5 field. Kidney donor and ultramarathoner. Said he plans to help Democrats win the House despite dropping out. Fuller and Matthewson: No military service records confirmed.
15-term incumbent Diana DeGette faces challengers including Melat Kiros, who defeated her in a delegate preference poll at the Denver county assembly.
Denver's longest-serving House member. Won reelection in 2024 with 76.6%. Democratic Chief Deputy Whip. Chairs the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. First elected in 1996 to succeed Pat Schroeder.
Source: Ballotpedia, Colorado Politics.
Military Service: None.
15-term incumbent. Voted YES on the PACT Act in the House. Signed the joint Colorado delegation statement opposing Space Command relocation to Alabama (Sept 2025). Chairs the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight — has overseen investigations including defense-related matters. Denver's CD-1 is less military-heavy than CD-5, but DeGette has voted consistently for VA funding and NDAA authorizations.
Source: degette.house.gov, joint delegation statement, GovTrack.us.
Daughter of Ethiopian immigrants. Defeated DeGette in a delegate preference poll at the Denver county assembly — a significant warning shot for a 15-term incumbent. Part of a national trend of younger Democrats challenging long-serving party officials. Campaigning on generational change.
Source: Colorado Politics (March 2026).
Military Service: None.
First-time candidate, age 28. Daughter of Ethiopian immigrants. No specific veterans or military policy platform publicly available. Campaigning on generational change — policy specifics on military/veterans issues are still developing.
Source: Campaign website, Colorado Politics (March 2026).
Incumbent Joe Neguse.
Incumbent Joe Neguse was re-elected in 2024 with 68.4%. He has endorsed Michael Bennet for governor. No significant primary challenge expected. Neguse is considered a rising star in the party and was reportedly considered for the governor's race before deferring to Bennet.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Policy — Neguse
Military Service: None. Key Record: Part of the full Colorado delegation that signed the joint statement opposing Space Command relocation to Alabama. Voted YES on the PACT Act in the House. Supports VA funding and military family benefits. Boulder/North Central district has less military presence than southern Colorado but includes some veteran communities.
Source: neguse.house.gov, joint delegation statement (Sept 2025).
R-held district (Jeff Hurd). Democratic challengers TBD.
R-held district. Incumbent Republican Jeff Hurd won in 2024 with 50.8% — the narrowest margin of any CO House race. Trump initially backed Hurd, then endorsed challenger Hope Scheppelman, then re-endorsed Hurd after Scheppelman withdrew. The Western Slope district includes Montrose, Pueblo, and Grand Junction. Democratic challengers are organizing but the field is still developing. This is a potential pickup opportunity given Hurd's thin 2024 margin and Republican internal divisions.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Note — CD-3
Incumbent Jeff Hurd (R) represents the Western Slope, which includes some military veteran communities. No military service confirmed for Hurd. Democratic challengers are still organizing — veterans policy positions will be tracked as the field develops.
R-held district (Lauren Boebert). Democratic challengers TBD.
R-held district. Incumbent Lauren Boebert switched to this district after redistricting and won in 2024. The Eastern Plains/Northern Suburbs district is heavily Republican. Democratic primary candidates include Trisha Calvarese, Eileen Laubacher, John Padora Jr., and Jenna Preston. Boebert has a net-negative favorability even in neighboring CD-5 (per Killin's internal poll), suggesting vulnerability, but this district's partisan lean is significantly more challenging for Democrats.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Note — CD-4
Lauren Boebert (R): No military service. Endorsed Victor Marx (Marine veteran) for governor. Has supported Trump-aligned defense positions. Democratic primary candidates (Calvarese, Laubacher, Padora, Preston) have not yet released specific veterans platforms. The Eastern Plains district includes some agricultural communities with veteran populations.
Incumbent Jason Crow (running for re-election; endorsed Bennet for governor).
Incumbent Jason Crow was re-elected in 2024 with 59%. Army Ranger veteran, former litigator. Has endorsed Bennet for governor. The Eastern Denver Metro district is solidly Democratic. No major primary challenge expected. Crow was considered for the governor's race but opted to run for re-election.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Policy — Crow
Military Service: U.S. Army Ranger (82nd Airborne, 75th Ranger Regiment). Three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Captain. Bronze Star recipient. One of Congress's most prominent veteran-legislators.
Key Record: Serves on House Armed Services Committee (Ranking Member, Intelligence & Special Operations Subcommittee) and House Intelligence Committee. Voted YES on PACT Act. Introduced five veterans bills (Nov 2025): Veterans' Sentinel Act (suicide prevention), BRAVE Act (mental health), Veterans Earned Education Act (GI Bill expansion for dependents), Veterans with ALS Reporting Act, and criminal justice diversion for veterans. Introduced SMART for TBI Act for traumatic brain injury care. Named Denver's Pro-Bono Lawyer of the Year for helping veterans transition to civilian life. Served on Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs (2009–2014). Part of a Nov 2025 video telling service members they can refuse illegal orders — Trump responded by calling him a traitor. Signed the full CO delegation statement opposing Space Command relocation.
Source: crow.house.gov, VoteVets, Wikipedia, GovTrack.us, La Voz Colorado (Nov 2024).
Incumbent Brittany Pettersen.
Incumbent Brittany Pettersen was elected in 2024 with 55.3%. Central Colorado district. No major primary challenge expected. Pettersen has focused on fentanyl crisis legislation and affordable housing during her tenure.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Policy — Pettersen
Military Service: None. Key Record: Voted YES on the PACT Act in the House. Central Colorado district includes Jefferson County with proximity to Buckley Space Force Base. Signed the full CO delegation statement opposing Space Command relocation to Alabama. Supports VA funding and military family benefits. Specific veterans policy focus has been secondary to her fentanyl and housing work.
Source: pettersen.house.gov, joint delegation statement (Sept 2025).
Incumbent Yadira Caraveo faces primary challengers.
Incumbent Yadira Caraveo won this Northern Suburbs swing district in 2024. Colorado's newest congressional district (created after 2020 Census). Caraveo, a pediatrician, has faced primary challengers. Term-limited Treasurer Dave Young is reportedly considering a run in this district. This is one of the more competitive Democratic-held seats in CO, making the primary important for ensuring a strong general election candidate.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Policy — Caraveo
Military Service: None (pediatrician). Key Record: Northern Suburbs swing district (CO's newest CD, created after 2020 Census). Voted YES on the PACT Act. Signed the full CO delegation statement opposing Space Command relocation. As a pediatrician, Caraveo has focused on healthcare access that benefits military families. The CD-8 area includes communities near Buckley SFB. Specific veterans-focused legislation from Caraveo is limited given her short tenure.
Source: caraveo.house.gov, joint delegation statement (Sept 2025).
As of March 24, 2026, no official Democratic candidates have filed for the three State Board of Education seats up in 2026 according to Ballotpedia. The March 18 filing deadline has passed — candidate lists should be finalized by the Secretary of State's office in the coming weeks. Check sos.state.co.us for updated candidate filings.
Current Board Composition: Democrats hold a 5-4 majority. Seats up in 2026 include District 5, currently held by Republican Steve Durham (elected 2014, re-elected 2022). Flipping or defending these seats will determine whether Democrats maintain their education policy agenda.
Source: Ballotpedia, Chalkbeat Colorado. This section will be updated as candidates are confirmed.
🎖️ Veterans relevance: The Board of Education sets standards for schools serving military-connected children at Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, USAFA, and Buckley SFB communities. District 5 (Steve Durham\'s seat) covers El Paso County — one of Colorado\'s most military-dense regions. Veterans policy positions will be tracked when candidates are confirmed.
As of March 24, 2026, candidate filings are still being finalized. Donald Comstock is the only confirmed candidate for the District 2 general election. No official Democratic primary candidates have been confirmed by Ballotpedia for the other two seats. Check sos.state.co.us for updated candidate filings as the Secretary of State processes March 18 petitions.
Context: Regent races are often overlooked but have significant impact on higher education affordability, research priorities, and campus policy. In 2024, Democrats held a narrow majority on the board.
Source: Ballotpedia, Wikipedia. This section will be updated as candidates are confirmed.
🎖️ Veterans relevance: CU Colorado Springs (UCCS) is adjacent to Fort Carson and serves a large military/veteran student population using GI Bill benefits. Regent decisions on tuition, veteran student services, and the UCCS campus directly affect military families. CU\'s Anschutz Medical Campus conducts VA-affiliated research. Veterans policy positions will be tracked when candidates are confirmed.