Mail ballots are due June 30 by 7 p.m. For readers who have yet to cast their votes, The Gazette editorial board offers its recommendations once more, below.

Governor

Vote for Barb Kirkmeyer on the Republican primary ballot. Kirkmeyer is a smart and seasoned veteran of politics and policy — ready to serve as the state’s next chief exec. She is in fact the one truly credible and serious Republican vying for the office — and the only Republican who can carry the day next Nov. 3 against either of two well-funded Democrats. Kirkmeyer also has the potential to reboot the state Republican Party as Colorado’s leading voice for economic prosperity, public safety, fiscal prudence and regulatory restraint. A Kirkmeyer victory in the GOP primary would signal to all Coloradans that the state’s Republican Party is back. We encourage unaffiliated voters, as well — who are eligible to cast a Republican ballot in the primary — to vote for Kirkmeyer to rescue Colorado from the political fringes. Currently a state senator representing parts of Weld, Larimer and Broomfield counties, Kirkmeyer has championed common-sense conservative policies at a Capitol dominated by progressive Democrats. Kirkmeyer can get the state back on track, focusing on the issues that now mean more than ever to Coloradans across the board who are longing for a change.  

Attorney general

Vote for Michael Allen on the Republican primary ballot. In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has become a platform for partisan politics, headline-chasing litigation, and wading into national political fights. Meanwhile, Coloradans have watched crime surge and wondered who’s minding the store. Allen, who is currently 4th Judicial District attorney, is an experienced and trustworthy choice. The career prosecutor has become a leading voice against our legislature’s terribly misguided “justice reform” policies, testifying before the legislature and speaking out on national television. His aversion to partisan games — and his insistence justice comes first — is overdue at the attorney general’s office. Allen isn’t likely to spend his days joining lawsuit after lawsuit against presidential administrations or appearing on national TV to talk national politics. He’ll be laser-focused on restoring justice to Colorado.

Congress

Third Congressional District: Vote for Jeff Hurd on the Republican primary ballot. When the Gazette’s editorial board endorsed Jeff Hurd in 2024 to represent Colorado’s vast and diverse 3rd Congressional District, it was clear he was meant for the job. It’s clearer than ever now, nearly two years later, after his first term in the post. The Grand Junction native has done right by his district, representing — and embodying — its generally conservative but fiercely independent nature. The Republican Hurd has proven himself to be a true public servant: relentless in advocating for CD 3 and the Western Slope; loyal to his party’s principles and fearless when he takes a stand for his constituents — even if it means pushing back at powers that be, including the White House. And Hurd does it all with dignity and without a trace of ego — as our board was reminded after a couple of recent conversations with him. Naturally likable, super smart, highly effective yet humble to the core. We enthusiastically endorse Hurd for reelection — in the June 30 Republican primary and in the general election next fall.

Fifth Congressional District: Vote for Jeff Crank on the Republican primary ballot. After only two years in Washington, the southern Colorado native and longtime Republican champion of the Springs’ local military presence already has proven he knows his way around the nation’s capital. Enough so to help build our national defense and the Pikes Peak region’s economy at the same time. Just last month, Crank and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced several key projects that will enhance the Springs area’s extensive military infrastructure. Included in the windfall: a $250 million Space Force Operations Facility at Schriever Space Force Base. And Crank has played an instrumental role in securing it. It’s all the more reason why The Gazette’s editorial board endorses Crank for reelection. He’s such a slam dunk to represent the 5th Congressional District in Congress, we strongly recommend a vote for him on the Republican primary ballot as well in November’s general election. 

Legislature

State Senate District 9: Vote for Terri Carver on the Republican primary ballot. The retired Air Force colonel who was a military judge advocate general previously served in the Colorado House from 2016 to 2022. Carver’s priorities for the Senate include tackling the high cost of living, fighting crime, ending sanctuary policies and rolling back strangling new laws driving businesses out of the state.

State House District 14: Vote to reelect Ava Flanell on the Republican primary ballot. The small-business owner and firearms instructor grasps the challenges facing businesses and working families. At the legislature, Flanell focuses on public safety and affordability, defending constitutional rights, supporting parents and families, and government accountability.

State House District 21: Vote for Brenda Miller on the Republican primary ballot. A Colorado native and 20-year U.S. Army veteran, Miller earned the Bronze Star for combat valor and later completed a Ph.D. in Homeland Security. She has been active in community organizations including serving as vice chair of the El Paso County Citizen Outreach Group.

El Paso County

El Paso County Commission District 1: Vote for Ryan Graham on the Republican primary ballot. The small-business owner, real estate broker and firefighter in El Paso County champions transparent and accountable local government and budget discipline. He wants to improve roads, protect taxpayers and ensure public safety.

El Paso County Commission District 5: Vote to reelect Lauren Nelson on the Republican primary ballot. The former Colorado Springs School District 11 board member has proven herself to be a highly capable commissioner who puts fiscal responsibility and restraints on government growth at the core of how she stewards Colorado Springs taxpayer dollars.

El Paso County Assessor: Vote for Becky Fuller on the Republican primary ballot. The University of Colorado Boulder accounting graduate has worked in Small Business Administration lending for more than 30 years and has served on the El Paso County Planning Commission for over six years.