Primary ballots should have arrived in most La Plata County mailboxes this week with contentious races playing out on both the Republican and Democratic tickets.
Voter turnout is expected to be higher than usual as a result of the number of candidates and several important primary races, including the Democratic race for governor between Attorney General Phil Weiser and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.
The Republican gubernatorial primary does not appear to be as competitive as the Democratic contest between Weiser and Bennet.
The primary could also force U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, who represents Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, to defend his status as a Republican. Hurd’s opponent, Ron Hanks, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, has repeatedly criticized some of Hurd’s actions as being at odds with the president’s and the Republican Party’s agenda.
La Plata County races seem tame, with La Plata County commissioner Elizabeth Philbrick running unopposed on the Democratic ticket, and no Republican candidates for county commission appearing on the Republican ballot.
Several other county positions are up for reelection, but candidates for clerk and recorder and coroner are absent from primary ballots and will likely run as unaffiliated in the November general election.
Primary election day is June 30, but mail-in ballots should be returned by June 22.
The Durango Herald reached out to all candidates – except those running unopposed – and requested 50-word responses to two questions each.
Candidates are listed in the order they appear on the ballot.
Mark Baisley – Unopposed. Colorado state Sen. Mark Baisley originally planned to run for Colorado governor. He has served in the Colorado Senate going on eight years.
Ron Hanks
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
Income tax holiday for 2027, coupled with zero-based budgeting for every department and agency, and complete defunding of nongovernmental organizations (NGO’s).
Under what circumstances would you be willing to vote against your party, and can you provide a recent example of an issue where you disagreed with your party’s position?
I will vote what I perceive to be in the best interest of the district, after holding town halls and public conversations, irrespective of party pressure or interests. My principles align more closely with President Trump’s America First agenda than with the Republican, Democrat, or Uniparty agenda.
Jeff Hurd, District 3 representative in his first term. Hurd did not respond to the Herald’s request for comment.
Scott Bottoms
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
If elected, I would introduce legislation to further expand Colorado Energy Freedom by cutting burdensome regulations on our domestic oil, gas, and mineral resources. This would directly lower energy costs for hardworking families in La Plata County while boosting our rural economy.
Under what circumstances would you be willing to vote against your party, and can you provide a recent example of an issue where you disagreed with your party’s position?
I am willing to vote against my party whenever it strays from fiscal responsibility, limited government, or core America First values that put Colorado families first. For example, I recently opposed certain establishment-backed spending bills that increased budgets without delivering real results for working people.
Victor Marx, a pastor and former marine, did not respond to request for comment.
Barabara Kirkmeyer, former Weld County commissioner and District 23 representative in the Colorado State Senate, did not respond to request for comment.
James Wiley – Unopposed. A Colorado Springs native, Wiley has been involved in several lawsuits against Dominion Voting Systems and was a strong advocate for the release of Tina Peters.
Kevin Grantham – Unopposed. He is the Fremont County commissioner and former president of the Colorado Senate.
Michael Allen
What is one decision or action taken by current Attorney General Phil Weiser that you disagreed with, and how would you have handled the situation differently?
I strongly disagreed with AG Weiser’s support for policies that weakened penalties for fentanyl related offenses at a time when overdose deaths were devastating Colorado communities. In contrast, as District Attorney, I took a tough approach by aggressively prosecuting traffickers, pushed for stronger penalties, and prioritized public safety.
While large corporations often receive significant scrutiny, consumers can also be harmed by the practices of small- and medium-sized businesses. How would you strengthen consumer protections for Colorado residents harmed by unfair or deceptive business practices?
Consumer protection should apply equally to businesses of all sizes. I would aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud, scams, and deceptive practices. I would also prioritize securing restitution for victims and improve coordination with law enforcement to protect consumers while allowing honest businesses to thrive and drive down costs.
David Wilson did not respond to request for comment.
Sherri M. Wright – Unopposed. Wright is the incumbent, a former educator of 20 years, and Fort Lewis College graduate.
Naomi Riess – Unopposed. Longtime community advocate and business professional located in La Plata County.
Julie Gonzales
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
Healthcare should not be a privilege, but a human right. I’ll fight for Medicare for All, and in the meantime, I’ll take on the insurance and pharmaceutical industries profiting off our pain while pushing policies that bring us closer to universal coverage. We must restore and strengthen Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA funding. (This answer was edited for length.)
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
I will not support Sen. Schumer to be the leader of our party. It is time for the Democratic Party to embrace a new generation of leadership. In addition to supporting a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, I would support bills to prohibit Corporate PACs from donating to campaigns. (This answer was edited for length.)
John Hickenlooper
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
We need to reverse Trump’s health care cuts and actually fix our system to get to universal health care because health care is a right, not a privilege. We should pass our bills to create a public option and to lower prices by rooting out abuse and empowering Medicare to negotiate all drug prices.
Under what circumstances would you be willing to vote against your party, and can you provide a recent example of an issue where you disagreed with your party’s position?
I’d vote against our party leadership if they weren’t fighting hard enough to protect Coloradans’ health care, like I did this fall when they failed to hold the line on lowering Americans’ health care costs and voted with Republicans to reopen the government without extending the tax credits.
Alex Kellof
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
I’ll prioritize legislation that increases the supply of workforce housing and strengthens health care systems in rural communities like La Plata County. I’ve heard from families being squeezed by housing, healthcare, and childcare costs. We need practical solutions that help people afford to stay in the communities they call home.
Under what circumstances would you be willing to vote against your party, and can you provide a recent example of an issue where you disagreed with your party's position?
I will always put Colorado’s 3rd District ahead of party politics. If party leaders support a policy that hurts our communities, I will vote no. For example, I support comprehensive immigration reform, but I also believe we need secure borders and an orderly immigration system.
Dwayne L. Romero
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
The President is out of control, and it is hurting our families. He started a reckless war that has placed countless American service members in danger, and driven up gas prices. His tariffs are driving up costs. Congress does nothing to stop him. When I get to Congress, that will change.
Under what circumstances would you be willing to vote against your party, and can you provide a recent example of an issue where you disagreed with your party's position?
The only way to connect with everyone in this huge district is to talk to people. Unfortunately, Jeff Hurd has been phoning it in, instead of having in-person town halls with his constituents. In Congress, I will listen to the voters and stand up to any politician on any issue.
Phil Weiser
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
As governor, I’ll build more housing Coloradans can afford and launch “Primary Care for All” to fix our broken health care system. I’ve done this work as attorney general – taking on corporate landlords, fighting mega-mergers that threaten to jack up prices, and holding Big Pharma accountable.
Under what circumstances would you be willing to vote against your party, and can you provide a recent example of an issue where you disagreed with your party's position?
Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scherr endorsed me with an interesting test, asking his Republican county commissioner colleagues which Democrat they trusted to show up. They said it was me. As governor, I’ll lead by showing up, listening, and delivering the best result for Coloradans – regardless of their party.
Michael Bennet
If elected, what is one bill or policy you would introduce or support within your first year in office that would lower costs for families in La Plata County?
Tackling Colorado’s cost-of-living crisis is my top priority. I am the only candidate with real plans to lower costs by ensuring no Coloradan has to pay more than 30% of their income on housing, by working with local governments and builders to provide the flexibility they need to build more starter homes.
Under what circumstances would you be willing to vote against your party, and can you provide a recent example of an issue where you disagreed with your party's position?
I never hesitate to tell the hard truths when it’s what is best for Colorado, even when it’s inconvenient to my party. I will always put Coloradans first. For example, when out-of-state billionaires tried to change our elections through Prop. 131, I was one of the only statewide elected officials to speak out against it.
Amanda Gonzales
What specific changes, if any, would you make to improve Colorado election integrity, and what evidence supports those changes?
As lawyer and election official, I currently run secure, accessible elections for nearly 450,000 Coloradans. Colorado already has a secure election system because we follow evidence, not politics. I’d focus on the next generation of threats: federal interference, AI-driven misinformation, and resource shortages in our rural communities.
Do you believe current campaign finance disclosure laws are sufficient? Why or why not?
No. If voters don’t know who’s paying for political influence, they can’t hold anyone accountable. I’ve fought dark money and helped pass disclosure laws statewide and in Denver and Aurora. We need more transparency. Democracy belongs to the public – not the highest bidder – and our campaign finance laws should reflect that.
Jessie Danielson
What specific changes, if any, would you make to improve Colorado election integrity, and what evidence supports those changes?
Colorado already has one of the nation’s gold standard and most secure election systems, and I am proud to have helped build it. That being said, there is always room for improvement and as Secretary of State, I’d continue working with clerks, the legislature, the counties, and the tribes to strengthen our system and combat election misinformation.
Do you believe current campaign finance disclosure laws are sufficient? Why or why not?
Colorado has strong campaign finance laws, but enforcement and transparency can always be improved. Voters deserve timely, accurate information about who is funding campaigns and independent expenditures and it should be easy to find out who is trying to influence your vote. I think there is a lot of room for the Secretary of State to make improvements to TRACER so that it is more user-friendly and accessible for everyone from voters to campaigns.
Jeff Bridges – Unopposed. Bridges is the current chair of Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee.
Jena Griswold
What is one decision or action taken by current Attorney General Phil Weiser that you disagreed with, and how would you have handled the situation differently?
As Attorney General, I’ll continue the office’s work in standing up to Trump and MAGA extremists to protect our fundamental rights. I’ll also bring new focus on passing a stronger assault weapon ban and reducing the rape kit testing backlog.
While large corporations often receive significant scrutiny, consumers can also be harmed by the practices of small- and medium-sized businesses. How would you strengthen consumer protections for Colorado residents harmed by unfair or deceptive business practices?
As Secretary of State, I’ve worked to fight deceptive business practices, crack down on fraudulent business filings, and protect small businesses from misleading solicitations. As AG, I’ll build on this by taking on illegal price gouging, junk fees, predatory lending, and the misuse of Coloradans’ personal data.
David Seligman, executive director of Towards Justice, did not respond to request for comment.
Michael Dougherty
What is one decision or action taken by current Attorney General Phil Weiser that you disagreed with, and how would you have handled the situation differently?
Colorado should have taken a stronger approach to protecting communities impacted by repeated pollution by Suncor. I will be more aggressive in enforcing environmental laws, protecting public lands, and holding corporate polluters accountable when they endanger public health and safety. With Trump dismantling the EPA, that is a top priority.
While large corporations often receive significant scrutiny, consumers can also be harmed by the practices of small- and medium-sized businesses. How would you strengthen consumer protections for Colorado residents harmed by unfair or deceptive business practices?
I have a proven track record on accountability and protecting Coloradans. My investigations of both the Marshall Fire and Four Star Realty helped lead to significant civil judgments for the victims. I’ll increase reporting options and strengthen enforcement against fraud, deceptive business practices, and wage theft to better protect consumers.
Hental Doshi, former assistant U.S. Attorney for Colorado and Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, did not respond to a request for comment.
Barb Clementi – Unopposed. She spent 30 year as a public educator, and spent time as a board member on the National Education Association.
Katie Stewart – Unopposed. She is the incumbent in her first term.
Elizabeth Philbrick – Unopposed. She is the sitting county commissioner and a local business owner.
