2026 Primary Election Voter Guide

Not telling you who to vote for, but making strong suggestions!

Let’s just start at the top, shall we?

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR PRIMARY:

Michael Bennet v Phil Weiser

Both candidates are left wingers. That much is not in dispute. So if you are going to vote in the Democratic Primary to choose the LEAST bad option, which do you pick? I say Bennet is the better pick, as he isn’t as nakedly partisan as Phil Weiser. Weiser seems to be true believer for left wing causes and is solely animated by Trump hatred, whereas Bennet has the experience and connections at the federal level so he MAY be able to tamp down some of the animous coming from that direction.

MY PICK: Michael Bennet

REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS PRIMARY:

Scott Bottoms vs Barb Kirkmeyer vs Victor Marx

You already know I am going to support Barb Kirkmeyer. At this stage in the game, she is the ONLY candidate that will not make the Republicans look absolutely ridiculous in the general election. If either Bottoms or Marx is the nominee the entire Republican ticket will have to answer questions about pedophile rings at the Capitol or casting out demons for the entire race. Don’t make them defend idiocy. Barb also happens to have oodles of experience, inner working knowledge, and big ideas to attack the budget and she understands what the Governor can do and what they can’t. The other two have displayed a complete lack of most of those qualities.

MY PICK: Barb Kirkmeyer

DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEY GENERAL:

Jena Griswold v Hetal Doshi v Michael Dougherty v David Seligman

Can we all agree Jena Griswold must be stopped? She’s proven herself beyond incompetent with missteps as Secretary of State that would have seen an honorable person resign over. But not our Jena, she just keeps wanting to fail upward. So of the remaining three, the the frontrunner is Michael Dougherty. He’s been endorsed by a TON of District Attorneys, both Republican and Democrat. Hetal Doshi is a federal prosecutor but I can’t find out much more about her. She did make a comment in the debate about how being anti-Trump alone is not a political philosophy, but she focuses too much on corporate crime and I’d rather hear what the AGs office will do about street crime and violence in Colorado. She also doesn’t have the name recognition to beat Jena, which MUST happen. Seligman is a hard left perhaps socialist so he’s a huge NO for that reason.

MY PICK: Michael Dougherty

REPUBLICAN ATTORNEY GENERAL

Michael Allen v David Willson

Michael Allen is a respected DA whose campaign is focused like a laser on crime in Colorado. David Willson is running on the lawsuit he lost on election integrity. Michael Allen is the only one of the two with a snowballs chance in hell of winning.

MY PICK: Michael Allen

DEMOCRAT SECRETARY OF STATE

Jessie Danielson v Amanda Gonzalez

These are two bad choices. Jessie Danielson is one of the architects of our current all mail in ballot system and will absolutely fight against any attempts to insure election integrity on any level. Amanda Gonzalez is a hard left Clerk of Court from Jefferson County who does have one good thing in her platform: making TRACER more accessible. Neither of these choices will be palatable to conservatives, but if I have to pick one I will.

MY RELUCTANT PICK: Amanda Gonzalez

THERE IS NO REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

James Wiley is the only one running on the GOP side

US SENATE

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Julie Gonzales v John Hickenlooper

Julie Gonzales is running from Hick’s left and has been endorsed by every hard core left wing, labor, and socialist organization out there.

MY PICK: John Hickenlooper

THERE IS NO REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

Mark Baisley is the only candidate running

1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

Diana Degette v Wanda James v Melat Kiros

This is the most undesirable group of choices yet. This district will remain Democrat and out of this group, the incompetent Diana Degette is the best choice. Wanda James is a race hustling bad business owner and Melat Kiros is a straight up communist.

MY HOLDING MY NOSE PICK: Diana Degette

THERE IS NO REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

Christy Peterson is running for that seat unopposed, though it will be a tough race.

2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN

Christina Blunt v Kelly Dennison

Neither of these women stand much of a chance against incumbent Rep. Joe Neguse and I’m not sad about that. Kelly Dennison has raised very little money from what I can tell, but I’m picking her for one reason. Christina Blunt has on the front page of her website that she has signed the pledge to abstain from taking AIPAC money and the only reason to do that is to signal to the anti-Semitic part of the Republican party that they can count on her. For ME, that is a non-starter.

MY PICK: Kelly Dennison

THERE IS NO DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Rep. Joe Neguse is going to defend his seat

3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

Alex Kelloff v Dwayne Romero

Democrats think this is a winnable race, but I am not so sure. But if it is, I think Alex Kelloff is the more formidable opponent. At least he makes mention of lowering the debt and deficit anyway.

MY PICK: Alex Kelloff

3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN

Jeff Hurd v Ron Hanks

Rep. Jeff Hurd has done a good job in my view. I know he didn’t vote for tariffs but I think he’s right about that. Ron Hanks is a huge part of the problem with the Colorado Republican party. He will lose to Alex Kelloff if nominated because unaffiliateds will never vote for him.

MY PICK: Jeff Hurd

4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

Eileen Laubacher v Jenna Preston (write in candidate)

This race is going to Eileen Laubacher, who I am pretty sure is one of these hand picked by the party candidates who rolled out a perfectly packaged candidacy with zero political experience. She will win this.

MY PICK: It doesn’t matter, Eileen Laubacher is winning this

THERE IS NO REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FOR THE 4TH

Rep. Lauren Boebert will defend her seat. I keep saying this seat is winnable for the Democrats and one day I’m going to be right.

5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

Jessica Killin v Joe Reagan

This is another race where there is a primary, but there is already a clear winner in Jessica Killin. She has the support of EVERY prominent elected Democratic lawmaker and seems to be the establishment pick. Her former military service is going to be made a big deal here and it may make this race very competitive for Rep. Jeff Crank in the general.

MY PICK BY DEFAULT: Jessica Killin

THERE IS NO REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FOR THE 5TH

Rep. Jeff Crank will defend his seat. This is going to be a tight race.

8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

Shannon Bird v Manny Rutinel v Evan Munsing (he dropped out)

Shannon Bird is a former State Rep and what some would call a moderate Democrat, like that sort of thing remains. She is pragmatic and a serious policy person but kind of boring. She’s like the left’s version of Barb Kirkmeyer. Manny Rutinel, however, is a guy who has proven to be whatever he needs to be however he needs to be it. He’s changed position on so many issues I can’t list them here and would be a disaster in this seat.

MY PICK: Shannon Bird

THERE IS NO REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

Rep. Gabe Evans will defend his seat.

NOW FOR HOUSE AND SENATE RACES I will be honest in that these races have been the holdup on the Voter Guide. If you know a lot about the candidates in your district and choose differently, that’s okay with me! One thing I want to point out. Almost EVERY SINGLE DEMOCRAT running mentions going after TABOR in their platforms, which should be read as THEY WANT TO RAISE YOUR TAXES. IF I DON’T LIST A PARTIES CANDIDATES IT’S BECAUSE SOMEONE IS RUNNING UNOPPOSED.

SD 3 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Aaron Guitterez v Taylor Voss

Aaron Guitterez has been involved in Pueblo non profits and worked in the Obama White House, whereas Taylor Voss seems to just regurgitate platitudes that mean nothing on his website. This race is in play for Republicans, as Pueblo has been moving right. The GOP candidate is running unopposed. Both of these guys are reliable Democrats so:

MY PICK: Taylor Voss, he is going to be easier to beat.

HD 5 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Justine Sandoval v Sterling Simms

Do you want a community organizer or someone from the Mayor’s office? Those are your choices in this primary which will almost certainly pick the winner.

MY PICK: Both equally bad

HD 6 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Sean Camacho v Iris Halpern

Sean Camacho is the incumbent and Iris Halpern seems to be running so far to the left of him she’s almost behind him. Camacho hates Tabor, but Halpern is actually worse. But again, both horrible choices. Camacho replaced the horrid Elizabeth Epps but Halpern wants to bring that vibe back.

MY PICK: Sean Camacho

HD 9 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Monica VanBuskirk v Neal Walia

Major lefty Emily Sirota is term limited out and there some distinctions between the two people who want to replace her. Monica VanBuskirk is a Dem party loyalist and longtime politico. Neal Walia is a progressive activist coming at her from the left. I’m inclined to believe that in this district if Walia can get his message out he may win. If This is one to watch.

MY PICK: Monica VanBuskirk. If Walia wins the creep of the hard left continues.

SD 9 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Lynda Zamora Wilson v Terri Carver

Both of these women are veterans, strong supporters of the Constitution and would continue to do a good job representing the district.

MY PICK: Both would be good, you pick

HD 13 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Chris Floyd v Consuelo Redhorse

Chris Floyd is the more mainstream Republican who would probably represent a smooth transition from term limited Julie McCluskie. Redhorse may win bleeding heart liberals as an indigenous person who is talking about more representation for different folks. Policy wise, Floyd is not as far left as Redhorse.

MY PICK: Chris Floyd

HD 14 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Ava Flanell v Troy Vanderhule

MY PICK: Ava Flanell She’s got the fundraising and other than being chosen by a vacancy committee I’ve not heard much grumbling about her from her constituents.

HD 16 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Jill Haffley v Jamie Koch

Both women have education backgrounds but Haffley has the endorsement of outgoing Rep. Rebecca Keltie and the money.

MY PICK: Jill Haffley.

HD 17 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Chauncy Johnson v Regina English (Incumbent)

This is one to watch. Regina English is a pretty standard Democrat, whereas Chauncy Johnson’s policy positions are downright communist. He’s young and seems to believe all the same ideas that have already failed are going to magically work this time.

MY PICK: Regina English

HD 19 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Anil Pesaramelli v Jillaire McMillan v Colton Jonjak Plahn

This race is a true swing district race. Dan Woog, who is the Republican incumbent won the seat in 2020, lost it in 2022 and then won it again in 2024 by just 110 votes. Woog beat McMillan in 2024 and now she’s back, but Anil Pesaramelli is raising decent money. Pesaramelli is talking about universal healthcare so no.

MY PICK: Jillaire McMillan

HD 21 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Brenda Miller v Alexander Africa

This district is almost certainly going to remain in GOP hands so the primary will determine the winner. The problem is I can’t find anything about these two candidates to help me decide which one is better.

MY PICK: It’s your choice.

SD 21 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Adrienne Benevidez v Alex Ryckman

Alex Ryckman is running to the left of establishment Benevidez but this district may be in play for Republicans…except the Republican candidate got caught boozing it up while his kids almost drowned in a hotel hot tub. Not good.

MY PICK: You pick, they are both equally bad.

SD 27 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Danielle Lammon v Darryl Gibbs

This is Tom Sullivan’s district. It’s pretty Democratic so this Republican primary may not matter much. I’d love to see Sullivan unseated. and Lammon is less blatantly ideological than Gibbs, and that may give her an edge in the general, but Gibbs seems very charismatic and as an African-American, THAT may give him an edge. I’m not sure here, but I’m going:

MY PICK: Darryl Gibbs, only because his race against a pasty white gun grabber may be interesting.

I’ve been informed that this pick is wrong by someone who knows. She says Gibbs isn’t a serious candidate while Danielle Lammon is rock solid so I’m changing this to Danielle Lammon.

HD 31 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Jacque Phillips (incumbent) v Gabriel Cervantes

Jacque Phillips is a known quantity and Gabriel Cervantes is endorsed by Bernie Sanders. Enough said.

MY PICK: Jacque Phillips

HD 32 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Michelle D. Lee v Damon L Scordo

I can’t even find Damon Scordo’s website so by defaut it’s Michelle Lee, though I think this district is going to be very tough for Republicans.

MY PICK: Michelle D. Lee

HD 33 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Kenny Nyugen (incumbent) v Heidi Henkel

Kenny is the incumbent and endorsed by all the other Democrats in the House. Heidi is running as an outsider with very similar policy positions so this is a draw for me. Neither of them is any sort of conservative.

MY PICK: You pick.

SD 27 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Chela Garcia Irlando v Andres Carrera

Andres Carrera worked for Mike Johnston, which should disqualify him from any office, but Irlando is another “community activist” so this race, which is in a super safe Democrat seat, is a You-pick-em of bad and worse.

MY PICK: Both awful.

HD 41 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Jamie Jackson (incumbent) v Anne Keke

I think both of these women represent their positions well, but Jackson seems to understand that the budget crisis is not just a TABOR issue (though she hates TABOR) so I’m giving her the edge.

MY PICK: Jamie Jackson

HD 42 DEMOCRATIC RACE:

Mandy Lindsay (incumbent) v Sarah Woodson

So in this race you have a black pot entrepreneur and a hard core left winger. I’m going with the Pot Lady.

MY PICK: Sarah Woodson

HD 44 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Anthony Hartsook v Bob Davis

MY PICK: Anthony Hartsook. He’s done a good job for 44 so far.

HD 51 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Amy Parks v Nancy Rumfelt

Amy Parks is the most well known out of the two but policy wise they are very, very similar. This gives the edge to Parks. Whoever is going to be running against the former Mayor of Loveland from the Dem side, though this district is pretty Republican.

MY PICK: Amy Parks MANY of you have reached out to point out Nancy’s long history of service and assured me of her high name ID. I’m moving this to a YOU PICK.

HD 54 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Jason Bias v Nina Anderson

This is another race for a likely GOP seate where I can’t find enough info to make remotely an informed recommendation. They both seem to be reliable conservatives.

MY PICK: You pick.

HD 60 REPUBLICAN RACE

Michelle Gray v Matt Alexander

Michelle Gray was the Chair of the Republican party when they flipped Pueblo County red when most of Colorado became more blue, so she’s got street cred. Matt Alexander is a school board member and small business owner. That’s all I know about this race.

MY PICK: You pick.

HD 62 REPUBLICAN RACE:

Steven Rodriguez v Evans Gonzalez (write in)

Steven Rodriguez is probably going to win this race. Or not. This is a winnable race for Republicans, and neither of these guys seem to be ready for it. Rodriguez doesn’t even have a website but he’s well connected to the Pueblo GOP. Gonzalez is a write in, which is almost impossible to pull off, especially for a first time candidate. I’m not dazzled by either.

MY PICK: You pick