Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd stood before a crowd on Saturday morning, flanked by banners and prayer circles, and called for what he described as “a deeper moral responsibility” in public service—particularly on the issue of abortion.
The annual Walk for Life, hosted by Mesa County Right to Life, returned to the steps of the old courthouse in downtown Grand Junction. It brought together faith leaders, families, activists, and one of the region’s most high-profile politicians.
But the rally wasn’t without friction—especially over land policy. Even amid prayer vigils and pro-life chants, not everyone was there for the same reasons.
A Rally Framed by Faith and Advocacy
The courthouse lawn was dotted with folding chairs, homemade signs, and well-worn Bibles. For many, the event wasn’t just about policy. It was personal.
Pastors quoted scripture. Organizers read names. And one local minister from Orchard Mesa Baptist invoked a familiar literary line: “Dr. Seuss had it right. A person is a person, no matter how small.”
The day opened with speeches, followed by prayer, and eventually transitioned into a peaceful walk through the heart of downtown Grand Junction.
Attendees carried signs reading “Life is Sacred,” “Every Heartbeat Matters,” and “Adoption is the Loving Option.” Their voices echoed through the streets—but never in anger. This wasn’t a protest. It was a statement of belief.
Hurd Makes Moral Appeal, Addresses Land Bill Backlash
Standing before the crowd, Congressman Jeff Hurd leaned into the values-based messaging that has characterized his campaign and early tenure.
“I think this is a fundamental issue of fairness,” Hurd told attendees. “And for protection for those most vulnerable. That’s something I think is important for all of us that are in positions of power and responsibility—to look out for the most vulnerable. And that’s a priority that I certainly have.”
But while most had gathered in support of the pro-life message, a few in the crowd weren’t holding signs about abortion. They were there about land.
Several attendees expressed concerns over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a sweeping legislative package that had included a controversial public lands sale provision. Hurd responded directly.
“I was the one Republican in the House of Representatives that voted against a land sale package before it passed,” he said. “I worked behind the scenes to make sure we didn’t sell those public lands. That provision was removed from the House bill.”
Hurd added that the Senate might still try to reinsert a similar measure, and if they do, “we’ll have to take a look and see exactly what it is.”
His message was firm: “My position on protecting public lands and making sure that sales are smart and strategic—and that they’re supported by the people that live there—is something that’s important to me.”
Bridging Deep Divides
The abortion debate remains one of the most polarizing issues in the country. Yet speakers at the rally, including Hurd, tried to frame the discussion around shared values—rather than partisan lines.
Carl Malito, president of Mesa County Right to Life, emphasized this point repeatedly. “We believe life is sacred, a gift from God,” he said. “Mesa County Right to Life is an educational and advocacy organization that stands for the right to life of all human beings.”
Malito didn’t ignore the controversy. In fact, he addressed it head-on.
“Now I can understand their argument. You value the rights of a woman to make decisions about health care,” he said. “The other side of that argument is—it’s not just about her; you’re turning the mother against her own child.”
Not everyone agreed. But even among those who disagreed, there was civility.
“I have my pro-life views,” Hurd said at one point, “but I understand others disagree. And I think that exchange of ideas and sharing perspectives is something important in our society.”
From Courthouse to Church Hall: The Walk for Life
After the speeches ended, the crowd formed a procession. They moved slowly through Grand Junction’s downtown—past diners, coffee shops, and closed storefronts—before ending at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
There, the Knights of Columbus hosted lunch. Folding tables were filled with sandwiches, brownies, and lemonade. It was equal parts political and communal—a family event grounded in tradition.
The day was solemn, but not angry. Emotional, but not performative. Quiet prayers were said for unborn children. But just as many were whispered for mothers, lawmakers, and even those who hold different views.
This year’s Walk for Life came at a time when abortion rights are back on the ballot in states across the U.S. Legal landscapes are shifting fast—and here in Colorado, where the procedure remains legal, these rallies take on a different tone. Less legislative, more cultural. Less about bills, more about belief.
