Candidate Q&A: Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District

Coloradans will vote in primary elections June 30 to determine which candidates will represent their party in the general election in November.

The elections cover Colorado’s four statewide constitutional offices, one U.S. Senate seat, all eight of the state’s congressional districts, state legislative districts and other races. Colorado Newsline sent questionnaires to candidates in contested primary races and is publishing responses as part of its voter guide to help Coloradans make informed choices.

Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District is represented by Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction Republican who is running for reelection. Former state Rep. Ron Hanks is challenging Hurd in the primary. Alex Kelloff and Dwayne Romero are running in the Democratic primary. The winners of each primary will face off in November.

The 3rd District encompasses the Western Slope and the southwest corner of the state, sweeping east to include Pueblo, Otero and Las Animas counties. The district leans Republican.

Ballots were scheduled to be mailed to all registered voters in Colorado starting June 8.

Voters can contact their county clerk if they have not received their ballot or check the online BallotTrax system. They can also visit the secretary of state’s website to make a plan to vote in person ahead of or on Election Day. Ballots need to be received by the county clerk by 7 p.m. on that day, so voters should mail their ballot at least eight days ahead of time or drop it off in person.

Hurd did not respond to a questionnaire.

Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, Democrats

Alex Kelloff

Age: 53

City of residence: Roaring Fork Valley

Occupation: Former telecommunications executive

Dwayne Romero

Age: 61

City of residence: Snowmass Village

Occupation: Business owner

What do residents in your district say is the biggest issue, and how will you work to address it?

KELLOFF: The issue I hear about most across Colorado’s 3rd District is the rising cost of living. Families are struggling with housing costs, healthcare expenses, childcare, and the challenge of finding good-paying jobs that allow them to stay in the communities they love. Over the past 13 months, I have traveled throughout all 27 counties in the district, meeting with ranchers, farmers, small business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, and working families. While our communities may look different, the concerns are similar across the board. In Congress, I will focus on practical solutions that help people afford to live and work in western and southern Colorado. That includes supporting workforce housing, investing in rural infrastructure, strengthening rural healthcare systems, expanding access to affordable childcare, and supporting small businesses, agriculture, and local industries. My background in building infrastructure and growing businesses has taught me that strong local economies create opportunity. I want to ensure that the people who serve our communities can continue to call them home.

ROMERO: I have travelled across the 3rd District, and I hear the same thing over and over when I ask this question. The absolute biggest issue is cost of living. This place is becoming unaffordable! Prices are out of control, especially the cost of food, gas, and healthcare. The president started a war that further jacked up prices at the pump, and cut healthcare spending to the bone, driving up how much it costs to buy medicine or afford health insurance. Congressman Hurd has been a rubber stamp for that agenda. When I get to Congress, I will stand up to the president or politicians to keep costs low.

What is your reaction to how Congress recently has stood by as President Donald Trump claimed powers that traditionally belonged to the legislative branch, such as those related to war, government spending and tariffs?

KELLOFF: The Constitution establishes separate but equal branches of government for a reason. Congress has a responsibility to exercise oversight and defend its constitutional authority regardless of which party controls the White House. When presidents of either party expand executive power at the expense of Congress, it weakens the system of checks and balances that protects our democracy. I have been clear that Congress should not simply stand by when executive authority expands into areas traditionally reserved for the legislative branch. Decisions involving war, spending, and trade policy deserve robust debate and accountability. The people of Colorado’s 3rd District expect their representatives to do their jobs, ask tough questions, and put country before party. If elected, I will support strong congressional oversight and work to ensure that major decisions affecting Americans are made through the constitutional processes that were designed to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch of government.

ROMERO: The president is out of control, and it is hurting families in Colorado. He has started a reckless war that has placed countless American servicemembers in danger, and driven up gas prices. His tariffs are driving up costs across the board. The legislature has done nothing to restrain him. When I get to Congress, that will change.

Describe your approach to citizen engagement, such as whether you will appear at in-person town hall meetings and answer unscreened questions from residents?

KELLOFF: Representation starts with showing up and listening. That belief is the foundation of my campaign and the reason I’ve been committed to this campaign for over 13 months. Earlier this year, I launched the By The People Tour where we hold workshops in communities all across the district to ensure every voice is heard. I meet people where they live and work, and hold community conversations focused on listening rather than giving political speeches. As a member of Congress, I will continue that approach. I will hold regular in-person town halls across the district and answer all questions from constituents. I believe elected officials should be accessible and accountable to the people they represent. Residents deserve honest conversations about the challenges facing their communities and a representative who listens even when opinions differ. Colorado’s 3rd District works best when people feel heard and respected regardless of party or ideology. My commitment is simple: I will continue showing up, listening, and making sure local voices are represented in Washington.

ROMERO: Voters in this district deserve a representative in Congress who will do the work, show up, and listen to them. Jeff Hurd has not held a single in-person town hall. He doesn’t understand that to represent this district, you have to put in the work, rack up miles on your car, and go to the voters to hear what’s important to them. When I beat Jeff Hurd in November, this district will finally have the representation it deserves.

How will you respond to Trump administration actions, such as the withholding of federal disaster assistance, that appear to punish Colorado over political disagreements?

KELLOFF: Federal disaster assistance exists to help communities recover from emergencies, not to reward or punish states based on politics. When Coloradans are dealing with wildfires, floods, drought, or other disasters, they deserve support based on need and the law, not political considerations. If elected, I will advocate aggressively for Colorado communities and work with local leaders to ensure they receive the resources they are entitled to under federal programs. I will support congressional oversight when there are concerns that federal agencies are not administering programs fairly or consistently. Disaster response should be guided by facts, transparency, and the needs of affected communities. The people of Colorado’s 3rd District deserve a representative who will stand up for them and ensure they are treated fairly by the federal government.

ROMERO: We can’t play political games with people’s lives and livelihoods. Some things, like when a genuine disaster strikes, are deeper than partisan politics. The president plays political games with people’s lives, and Congressman Hurd stands by and does nothing. We need a fighter in Congress who will stand up to stop all that. I am that fighter. Unlike Jeff Hurd, I will work with or against anyone from either party to fight for Colorado.

What, if anything, must Congress do to ensure the security of elections?

KELLOFF: Americans must have confidence that elections are secure, accessible, and administered fairly. Congress should continue supporting election security efforts that protect voting systems from cyber threats and foreign interference while respecting the role states play in administering elections. At the same time, election security and voter access should go hand in hand. We should ensure that eligible voters can participate while maintaining safeguards that protect the integrity of the process. Transparency, reliable election infrastructure, well-trained election officials, and public trust are all essential. I believe Congress should support investments in secure election technology, strengthen protections against foreign influence, and encourage practices that improve confidence in election outcomes. Our democracy works best when voters know their voices will be heard and their votes will be counted accurately and securely.

ROMERO: One of the biggest reasons I am running is because our democracy is under attack. Our right to vote is what makes us American. I will stand up to Donald Trump or anyone else to keep our elections safe and accessible. I will fight to fully fund the U.S. Postal Service as the constitution demands. When it comes to our elections, especially in Colorado, the USPS and its employees are central to keeping our elections accessible and honest. I’ll stand up to the president or any other politician that wants to slash USPS funding.

Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, Republicans

Ron Hanks

Age: 60

City of residence: Not available

Occupation: Retired military and former state representative

Jeff Hurd

Age: 46

City of residence: Grand Junction

Occupation: Attorney and U.S. representative

What do residents in your district say is the biggest issue, and how will you work to address it?

HANKS: The 730,000-acre Federal Land Grab CO-SPONSORED by the current representative is a big deal around the district. The federal government owns 36% of Colorado, and they are not doing a good job with the land they control. The fix is easy: Stop the Land Grabs. Water is another big issue. I read studies indicating salt water desalination is becoming economically viable, and if we can reduce the downstream demand for Colorado water, we can fill our reservoirs again. I believe small modular nuclear reactors will play a part in desalination efforts. I’d promote natural gas turbines on the Pacific Ocean, affecting water in seven states. Energy and steel production are big issues. I support using Colorado’s clean, high BTU coal, and extending power plant service life. The rising cost of fuel is a concern. I believe after Iran military operations conclude and the Strait of Hormuz opens, prices will subside. I was an Arabic linguist for the military alongside Farsi linguists. I am aware of Iran’s desire to obtain and USE a nuclear weapon, an operation I believe was inevitable. I would encourage the White House to continue pressure, keep ceasefires at a minimum, and open the Strait.

What is your reaction to how Congress recently has stood by as President Donald Trump claimed powers that traditionally belonged to the legislative branch, such as those related to war, government spending and tariffs?

HANKS: I support President Trump’s efforts in Venezuela and Iran. Iran has proven a tough opponent: we trained them years ago, and their military ability is formidable. It has taken longer to degrade their capabilities than expected. I’d encourage the White House to exert maximum pressure to collapse the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and allow Iranian citizens to regain their country after 47 years. Fiscally, Congress should assist President Trump by reviewing spending bills line by line and implementing zero base budgeting. Department spending should be built from zero, not passed with a 3% increase. Congress must audit every department. Some estimates from DOGE say half of the federal budget is fraud. Even if it is only half of that, it would be a real windfall for taxpayers to reduce $7.5 trillion of annual government spending by 25%. That money should have never been taken from citizens in the first place. I believe President Trump has used his tariff policies masterfully as an instrument of foreign policy. I believe we should allow him latitude to use them to negotiate the best position for the U.S. in this global economic realignment we are experiencing among foreign partners and competitors.

Describe your approach to citizen engagement, such as whether you will appear at in-person town hall meetings and answer unscreened questions from residents.

HANKS: My commitment to this district is that I will show up. In person. Unscripted and unscreened. My positions are known, and they have not changed, but I will show up before liberal crowds and listen. I will represent our district in Washington D.C. and advocate for our shared interests. I will meet regularly with constituents, provide clear and objective updates, and listen closely to your concerns while seeking your ideas for solutions. The current congressman has failed miserably in this regard, and unhappy constituents have told us they will not vote for him a second time.

How will you respond to Trump administration actions, such as the withholding of federal disaster assistance, that appear to punish Colorado over political disagreements?

HANKS: I would like to build a relationship with this White House through proper channels — not through media. I would ask for a phone call or an appointment to deliver our concerns.

What, if anything, must Congress do to ensure the security of elections?

HANKS: We should pass the SAVE Act. Some polls indicate 85% of Americans approve of it. We are being held hostage by congressional inaction. In my time as a state legislator, I drafted legislation similar to the goals of the SAVE Act. I would like to see action taken as soon as possible: too many primaries have already occurred.

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