Colorado NewslineDenver & Colorado
Candidate Q&A: Republican state legislative primaries
A view of the Colorado Capitol on Jan. 25, 2024. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)
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.
Use the Colorado General Assembly’s Find My Legislator tool to determine what House and Senate districts you live in.
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.
Click on a district to jump to information about candidates in that district:
- House District 14
- House District 16
- House District 32
- House District 44
- House District 51
- House District 54
- House District 60
- House District 62
- Senate District 9
- Senate District 27
House District 14
Ava Flanell (incumbent)
Age: 39
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: Business owner and state representative
Age: 55
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: Marketing executive
Where would you take an out-of-town friend to visit in your district?:
FLANELL: I’d start by taking my friend on a scenic drive through Garden of the Gods, one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks known for its towering red rock formations, stunning mountain views, and unforgettable scenery. After taking in the natural beauty of the park, I’d head to Glen Eyrie Castle for afternoon tea. Built in the late 1800s by Colorado Springs founder William Jackson Palmer, the historic English Tudor-style castle offers a peaceful and elegant experience nestled among the foothills and rock formations of Colorado Springs.
VANDERHULE: Part of House District 14 goes right down the access points of Garden of the Gods and the Glen Eyrie Castle. Both are great places to visit for out-of-town guests.
What do residents in your district say are the community’s biggest issues, and how will you work to address them?
FLANELL: Constituents in House District 14 consistently point to affordability as the most pressing issue facing their families. Rising housing costs, increasing energy prices, and the growing burden of regulations and fees on businesses are all contributing factors, and those costs are often passed on to consumers. To address these challenges, I support reforming Colorado’s construction defect laws to include a right-to-remedy process that encourages the development of more attainable housing while still protecting homeowners. We need policies that make it easier to build entry-level homes and expand housing opportunities for working families. On energy, I oppose mandates that drive up utility costs faster than our infrastructure can reliably support. I also believe we should avoid shutting down reliable energy sources prematurely and ensure decisions are based on cost, reliability, and capacity. Expanding consumer choice will allow homeowners to select the most practical and affordable energy options for their needs. For small businesses, we need a serious review of state mandates and operating costs, including the long-term impact of the FAMLI program, as well as excessive licensing requirements, regulatory burdens, and fees. Reducing these pressures will help businesses grow, create jobs, and keep costs lower for consumers.
VANDERHULE: Colorado has a runaway cost-of-living problem. We rank as one of the worst states for violent crime and overall crime. We strangle businesses and prosperity through radical social ideologies and business regulations. These are major issues for all Coloradans. For House District 14 specifically, housing and public schools are significant issues as well. There is not enough housing available and housing costs are too high. This means there are not enough young families moving into our communities. Our public schools are experiencing declining enrollment. More students are opting for charter schools and homeschools. The first solution to these problems is allowing more houses to be built. We need to reduce the burdensome regulations on housing and home building. The second solution is to fix Colorado public schools. We need school choice, but we also need successful public schools. Put the focus back on learning. Allow school discipline that would remove disruptive students. Reward good teachers. Remove poorly performing teachers. We need to make public schools a viable option.
This was the second year in a row the Legislature had to make deep program cuts to balance the state budget. Where can the state reduce its spending, and what is your view on how Colorado can return to a positive budget situation?
FLANELL: The state is facing a significant budget challenge after relying on one-time federal COVID funds to support ongoing programs that should have been time-limited or structured with clear sunset provisions. At the same time, Medicaid enrollment and costs have grown faster than projected, making it essential to strengthen oversight and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and appropriately. To address this, we need a more robust audit and accountability process that regularly evaluates program performance using clear, measurable outcomes. When programs are found to be ineffective, duplicative, or wasteful, the state should have the discipline to reform or eliminate them rather than continue automatic funding. This includes reviewing existing programs that expanded during the COVID era and determining which should be scaled back or discontinued. We should also strengthen eligibility verification and safeguards across public assistance programs to ensure benefits are directed to individuals who are legally eligible, while protecting resources for those who truly need them. Combined with targeted audits to identify fraud, waste, and abuse, this approach would improve accountability and help stabilize the budget without compromising core services.
VANDERHULE: First, Colorado has enough revenue to meet its budgetary needs. But the problem is the one-party rule of radical Democrats who are spending on social experiments and social priorities. Our Colorado Democrats are not limiting funding for state-funded abortions, trans surgeries, and illegal aliens. But this radical Legislature is willing to cut vital funding for services that go to Colorado citizens and communities. Second, fraud, waste, and abuse need to be excised from the Colorado budget. Huge amounts of funding go to nonprofits and service providers in Colorado. There needs to be active auditing and transparency about where this funding goes. Third, Colorado actively strangles local businesses. Colorado is one of the most heavily regulated states in the U.S. If you have a business, Colorado imposes radical social policies on your operations and Colorado will take more and more of your profits every year. For Colorado to return to a positive budget, we need to stop unlimited funding for radical social ideologies, we need to protect Colorado cities and families, and we need to allow Colorado businesses to thrive. When Colorado was a red state, we had all of those things: safety, security, and prosperity.
What policies should the state enact regarding the proliferation of data centers?
FLANELL: I’d like to continue learning more about data centers and their long-term impacts before taking a firm position, but I do believe there should be reasonable safeguards in place as these facilities expand. First, local communities should have a strong voice in zoning and siting decisions to ensure nearby residents and infrastructure are not negatively impacted. Second, the financial burden of large-scale development should not be shifted onto taxpayers through increased utility or infrastructure costs. I also believe Colorado must be mindful of natural resource use, especially water and energy consumption. Wherever possible, data centers should prioritize alternative cooling methods or the use of reclaimed water instead of potable water. Facilities should also have contingency plans in place to address periods of water scarcity and increased energy demand.
VANDERHULE: I support American innovation and technological leadership, but not on the backs of Colorado families and taxpayers. Data centers are welcome if they follow the rules, respect local communities, cover their true costs, and strengthen our energy independence and way of life. I would think about policies in this order: Local control first: zoning, land use, and permitting decisions belong to cities, counties, and homeowners, not state or federal mandates. We need to defend property rights and oppose top-down imposition on rural or suburban neighborhoods. No taxpayer subsidies or corporate welfare: Data centers should not receive special tax breaks, grants, or ratepayer-funded infrastructure upgrades. They must pay for their electricity, water, roads, and grid upgrades. Energy abundance over rationing: I would argue that America needs more power. This includes nuclear, natural gas, and coal. Taxpayers should not have to subsidize the massive consumption of data centers. Data centers should not drive up residential electricity bills or strain water resources in arid states like Colorado.
What is your view on working across the aisle, and within your own party, to advance policy?
FLANELL: Working across the aisle is essential, especially in a Legislature where Republicans hold just 35 of 100 seats. In that environment, meaningful progress requires finding common ground on policies that genuinely improve the lives of Coloradans and have a realistic path to becoming law. I believe lasting solutions require communication and collaboration, both across party lines and within my own party. I’m willing to work with any legislator who is serious about lowering costs, strengthening communities, protecting constitutional rights, and improving the quality of life for Colorado families. I won’t support policies that expand government overreach or undermine individual freedoms. I evaluate legislation based on its real-world impact on affordability, public safety, economic opportunity, and the rights of Colorado citizens, not simply on partisan labels.
VANDERHULE: Returning political power to the people of Colorado is the main role of a Colorado legislator. Insisting on the rights and freedom of the people of Colorado is the main role of a Colorado legislator. Legislators represent the people. Therefore, the only goal of legislation should be to ensure that the people of Colorado are keeping their rights, their freedoms, their businesses, and their right to self defense. Working across the aisle is great, but only if we are finding ways to allow businesses to prosper, communities to flourish, and people to be safe. Most of the legislation over the last decade of radical one-party rule has strangled our businesses, impoverished our cities, endangered our citizens, stolen our TABOR, and emburdened us with massive debt. Coloradans do not want more legislators who are going to compromise away more of their freedoms, rights, and money. Compromise and concession can only be reached if we are finding the ways Coloradans can prosper and flourish.
What is one bill, vote or other legislative action you’ve taken that you feel best demonstrates your qualification for reelection?
FLANELL: This year, I spent much of my time in a defensive posture, working to stop or improve legislation that would have negatively impacted Colorado families and businesses. In just four months, the legislature considered more than 600 bills, reflecting both the volume and complexity of policymaking in our state. At the end of the session, it was brought to my attention that I was among the top legislators that defeated the most bills. In a state that ranks among the most regulated in the country, I consider that a meaningful accomplishment, especially given that committees like Judiciary have, at times, advanced some of the most concerning legislation in recent years. This required significant behind-the-scenes work, strategic coordination, and long hours that most people never saw. In the end, I believe it was beneficial for my constituents and for Colorado.
Are there any votes the incumbent has taken in the Legislature you disagree with? What are they and why would you have voted differently?
VANDERHULE: There are specific votes the incumbent has cast that I would disagree with. But the larger issue is that, fundamentally, the House District 14 incumbent has a differing standpoint on governing and policymaking. There is a current group of Republican legislators who believe their role is to compromise with the radical Democrats and their radical policies. These Republicans will tell you they have to compromise away your freedoms and rights because they are the minority party in the Legislature. These Republicans will tell you they have to compromise away your freedoms and rights because that will hopefully attract some of Colorado’s unaffiliated voters. There is a group of Republican legislators who enjoy being courted by lobbyists and having their favor curried by special interests. These are the same Republicans who will tell you they have no choice but to compromise away your rights and freedoms. I believe the role of a Colorado representative is to ensure the rights and freedoms of every Coloradan. There cannot be compromise with proposals, bills, or legislators who want to weaken Colorado citizens.
House District 16
Age: Not available
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: Retired teacher
Age: 44
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: Practical Government School Coordinator and Apologetics Program Coordinator at Charis Bible College
Haffley did not respond to a questionnaire.
Where would you take an out-of-town friend to visit in your district?
KOCH: One place I’d love to take an out-of-town friend in House District 16 is Pulpit Rock. Pulpit Rock gives you some of the best panoramic views of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak, and it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty that makes this community so special. Pulpit Rock is peaceful and allows one to take in the beautiful views while avoiding large crowds and the noise of the typical tourist spots. Pulpit Rock was the first hike I did when I moved to Colorado Springs in 2007 and it left a lasting impression on me.
What do residents in your district say are the community’s biggest issues, and how will you work to address it?
KOCH: Residents throughout House District 16 tell me that affordability is one of their biggest concerns. Families are feeling the pressure of rising costs everywhere. People are working hard but still feel like it’s becoming more difficult to get ahead or even maintain the quality of life they once had here in House District 16. Government should focus on creating an environment where families can thrive, not make life more expensive. I will work to support fiscally responsible policies that help lower the tax burden on working families and reduce unnecessary government regulations that drive up costs. I will advocate for small businesses that are already struggling with overregulation. Colorado needs leadership that prioritizes responsible budgeting, public safety, economic opportunity, and policies that make Colorado more affordable for the next generation. People want practical solutions and accountable leadership.
This was the second year in a row the Legislature had to make deep program cuts to balance the state budget. Where can the state reduce its spending, and what is your view on how Colorado can return to a positive budget situation?
KOCH: Balancing the budget starts with the government getting back to basics and cutting spending that doesn’t directly help everyday Coloradans. People notice when the state spends $3 million renovating the governor’s office while families are struggling with groceries, housing, utility bills and other everyday costs. We need to take a serious look at administrative growth, consultant contracts, duplicative programs, taxpayer-funded lobbying and projects that sound good but don’t produce measurable results. Colorado’s recent budget shortfall of roughly $1 to $1.5 billion was eye-opening. Families expect the state government to show the same financial discipline they’ve had to show at home. Government should focus first on core responsibilities like public safety, roads, water, infrastructure, and education instead of constantly growing bureaucracy and long-term spending commitments.
What policies should the state enact regarding the proliferation of data centers?
KOCH: While data centers can bring jobs and economic growth, they place major demands on electricity, water, land use, and infrastructure. Some large data centers use as much electricity as a small city and can use millions of gallons of water each year for cooling systems. That’s a major concern for Colorado, especially considering that water resources are already limited and many communities are worried about long-term water availability and drought conditions. Communities should not be forced to absorb those impacts without a voice in the process. Residents deserve transparency about how proposed projects could affect energy demand, utility costs, water usage, traffic, emergency services and the character of their neighborhoods before approvals are granted. The state should be cautious about offering large taxpayer-funded incentives without clear long-term benefits for local communities. If companies receive public support, there should be accountability and protections to ensure residents are not left paying higher infrastructure or utility costs later. Colorado should remain open to innovation and economic development, but growth needs to be responsible and sustainable. We have to make sure we are protecting our natural resources and quality of life.
What is your view on working across the aisle, and within your own party, to advance policy?
KOCH: Elected officials should be respectful and willing to work with anyone when it benefits the people of Colorado; however, I don’t believe compromise for the sake of compromise is the answer. Decades of bipartisan deals and constant expansion of government are part of what has made life more complicated and expensive. These deals have made living in Colorado more difficult for Colorado families. Government was instituted to protect our God-given rights and uphold the Constitution, not to continuously grow and overregulate. We need leaders who are willing to reexamine existing policies and roll back unnecessary government overreach. We need leaders who are willing to get back to the core responsibilities the government was meant to fulfill. That doesn’t mean refusing to work with others. If there are good ideas that genuinely help Coloradans, I’m willing to have those conversations with anyone, but my focus will always be on principles, protecting individual liberty, and making government more accountable to the people, not finding middle ground to pass more legislation.
House District 21
Age: Not available
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: Army veteran
Age: Not available
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: Air Force veteran, nonprofit leader
Miller and Africa did not respond to a questionnaire.
House District 32
Age: Not available
City of residence: Commerce City
Occupation: Business owner
Damon L Scordo
Age: Not available
City of residence: Commerce City
Occupation: Business owner
Lee and Scordo did not respond to a questionnaire.
House District 44
Anthony Hartsook (incumbent)
Age: Not available
City of residence: Parker
Occupation: Army veteran and state representative
Age: Not available
City of residence: Parker
Occupation: Retired police officer
Hartsook and Davis did not respond to a questionnaire.
House District 51
Age: Not available
City of residence: Loveland
Occupation: Communications and digital strategist
Age: 64
City of residence: Loveland
Occupation: Accountant, Thompson School District board member
Parks did not respond to a questionnaire.
Where would you take an out-of-town friend to visit in your district?
RUMFELT: I’d take an out-of-town friend to downtown Loveland. There are so many great places to enjoy dinner, grab coffee, or simply spend time walking around. During the summer, the Foundry hosts a great music series that brings the community together and is a fun way to meet new people or catch up with friends.
What do residents in your district say are the community’s biggest issues, and how will you work to address it?
RUMFELT: The biggest issue I hear about from residents is the cost of housing. There is no single cause, which means there will not be a single solution. State and local governments, builders, developers, and community leaders all need to work together to address affordability. One major factor is the growing cost of regulations and building requirements. We need a serious review of codes and permitting processes to identify which regulations truly improve safety and quality, and which ones unnecessarily increase costs for families trying to buy a home. Interest rates have also limited housing inventory, as many homeowners with low mortgage rates are choosing not to sell. In addition, metro district costs have added to the long-term expense of homeownership. Addressing those challenges will require cooperation between developers and local governments to find sustainable infrastructure solutions without placing excessive burdens on homeowners.
This was the second year in a row the Legislature had to make deep program cuts to balance the state budget. Where can the state reduce its spending, and what is your view on how Colorado can return to a positive budget situation?
RUMFELT: Colorado needs a serious conversation about the proper role and priorities of state government. When budgets become strained, the state should first focus on core responsibilities such as public safety, transportation infrastructure, water systems, courts and essential human services. Every program, board, task force and agency should be reviewed to determine whether it is delivering measurable value to taxpayers. I also believe Colorado needs to take a closer look at regulatory growth and administrative expansion, which can increase costs for both businesses and families. Returning to long-term budget stability will require disciplined spending, clear priorities and a stronger focus on economic growth and affordability.
What policies should the state enact regarding the proliferation of data centers?
RUMFELT: First, people need to understand why AI data centers are growing and how much modern life already depends on them. Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in healthcare, education, business, entertainment, and everyday consumer applications. Colorado must balance technological growth with responsible resource management. Because water is limited in our state, data centers should prioritize innovative cooling technologies and closed-loop water systems that minimize consumption. Energy demand is another important issue. The state should explore policies that encourage large data centers to develop or offset their own power generation capacity so residential customers are not left facing reliability concerns or significantly higher utility costs.
What is your view on working across the aisle, and within your own party, to advance policy?
RUMFELT: I have served on the Thompson School District Board of Education for the past four and a half years, often in the minority, and that experience has taught me how to stay true to my principles while still working productively with others. I believe effective leadership starts with listening, identifying areas of agreement, and making progress where common ground exists. You do not have to compromise your core values to work respectfully with people who see issues differently, and I believe voters want leaders who can do both.
House District 54
Age: Not available
City of residence: Grand Junction
Occupation: Political science student
Age: Not available
City of residence: Grand Junction
Occupation: Human resources business owner
Bias and Anderson did not respond to a questionnaire.
House District 60
Age: Not available
City of residence: Pueblo West
Occupation: Teacher, Pueblo County Republican Party chair
Age: 49
City of residence: Cañon City
Occupation: Landscaping business owner, Cañon City school board member
Gray did not respond to a questionnaire.
Where would you take an out-of-town friend to visit in your district?
ALEXANDER: There is so much to see and do in House District 60. However, some of them do stand out like: The Royal Gorge Bridge, several 14ers, and Pikes Peak. With that said, we are also home to some of the greatest fishing, camping, hiking and hunting anywhere in the world. To see and really appreciate this area, I hope that my out-of-town friend has about two weeks to spare, because it is going to be a busy, busy 14 days!
What do residents in your district say are the community’s biggest issues, and how will you work to address it?
ALEXANDER: We are subject to a myriad of challenges here in House District 60. To name a few, government overreach and complex unfunded mandates and regulations, water rights issues, ever-growing urban development at the cost of rural Coloradans, the state constantly inventing new taxes under the guise of “fees,” the violation of our Second Amendment rights, the unaffordable home market, high crime, drugs, homelessness. The list could go on. Simply put, Colorado is one of the most poorly managed states in the United States and is also one of the worst places to run a small business. There is much work to be done. So why stay and fight? As a fourth generation Colorado native, this is my family’s home and has been for more than 130 years. I am fighting to take back Colorado so that our future generations will have a wonderful place to call home.
This was the second year in a row the Legislature had to make deep program cuts to balance the state budget. Where can the state reduce its spending, and what is your view on how Colorado can return to a positive budget situation?
ALEXANDER: Medicaid is a bloated money vacuum; cuts there alone would balance the budget. There are many other places, too. The first thing we need to do is make sure that Medicaid recipients are legal citizens and that they are employed or seeking employment. We also need to look into the state-funded non-citizen health programs. We must make sure that Medicaid is helping those that are in dire need and not just used as a permanent subsidy for those who are able-bodied and capable of work. In a decade Medicaid has surpassed K-12 education in the budget, not by a little, but by a huge margin. We do not have a lack of tax revenue; we have a spending problem. We must learn how to say no to bad spending.
What policies should the state enact regarding the proliferation of data centers?
ALEXANDER: I would say that any policies that we implement as a state should be one of responsible growth. We want investment and job growth for Colorado, especially in the world of ever-expanding AI. With that said, I realize the issue of energy and water usage. We must ask Big Tech to carry that burden and not expect Colorado families to carry that burden. We can still make Colorado a tech leader without losing our rural identity. I would love to see rural Colorado have the opportunity to grow and have jobs in this market, as well. We should encourage growth there and not just cram everything into Denver.
What is your view on working across the aisle, and within your own party, to advance policy?
ALEXANDER: My view is simple: Values are for holding, and policy is for winning. I am not going to the Capitol to be part of the “go-along-to-get-along” club. We’ve seen where that gets us. Colorado is the home to record debt and government overreach. I have no interest in compromising my morals or my conservative convictions to please people whose policies and beliefs are broken. However, in my time on the Cañon City School Board I learned that you can be the most steadfast person in the room and still be effective. I will work with anyone; Republican, Democrat, or Independent, but we must protect our water, defend our Second Amendment, and stop the state from overspending. Let’s be clear: I’m there to advance the values of rural Colorado and House District 60, not to benefit Denver bureaucrats.
House District 62
Steven Rodriguez
Age: Not available
City of residence: Pueblo
Occupation: Pueblo civil service commissioner
Evans Gonzalez (write-in)
Age: Not available
City of residence: Pueblo
Occupation: Business owner
Rodriguez and Gonzalez did not respond to a questionnaire.
Senate District 9
Lynda Zamora Wilson (incumbent)
Age: Not available
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: State senator and retired Air Force veteran
Age: Not available
City of residence: Colorado Springs
Occupation: Retired Air Force veteran and former state representative
Wilson and Carver did not respond to a questionnaire.
Senate District 27
Age: Not available
City of residence: Aurora
Occupation: Retired small business owner
Age: Not available
City of residence: Aurora
Occupation: Trucking business owner
Lammon and Gibbs did not respond to a questionnaire.
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