State Rep. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, on Thursday announced his 2024 reelection bid for Colorado Senate District 6, which encompasses 14 counties in Southwest Colorado.

In November 2020, Simpson was elected to represent Senate District 35. In January, Simpson began representing Senate District 6 after the 2022 redistricting.

Previously, La Plata County was part of a much different District 6, which was represented by Don Coram, a Montrose Republican. Coram was essentially drawn out of the 6th Judicial District. He went on to run unsuccessfully in the Republican primary against U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert.

According to a news release from Simpson’s campaign, his legislative priorities focus heavily on advocating for Colorado’s rural community.

He aims to address the state’s urban-rural divides, and work to build a “prosperous future” for rural Coloradans.

Simpson is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher who has served as the general manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District since 2016.

During his last term, Simpson sponsored bills focusing on watershed restoration, health care services and the integration of clean energy into agriculture.

Colorado senators serve four-year terms with staggered elections, meaning the victor of the 2024 election cycle will serve until 2028. In addition to the San Luis Valley, the 6th District includes Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan and San Miguel counties.

Efforts to reach Simpson for comment were unsuccessful Thursday.

lveress@duarngoherald.com