GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Grand Junction became the epicenter of Colorado politics this week as six gubernatorial candidates took the stage to debate the state’s future. The forum, held at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), offered voters a raw look at the intense frustration simmering within the state’s conservative and independent wings. While the candidates clashed on specific tactics, they remained united on one grim diagnosis: Colorado is in deep trouble.
The event, hosted by the university’s Turning Point chapter on February 9, drew a packed ballroom of residents eager for answers. With public safety concerns rising and the cost of living squeezing families, the atmosphere was charged with urgency. The forum provided a rare opportunity to see the field of challengers side-by-side, though the empty chairs reserved for Democratic leaders spoke just as loudly as the candidates present.
Conservative Challengers Take Center Stage
Six hopefuls faced the crowd, representing a mix of Republican and Independent tickets. The lineup included Republican State Representative Scott Bottoms, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, and State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer. Joining them were engineer Maria Orms and independent candidates Greg Lopez and Chaz Evanson.
The absence of the state’s top Democrats became an immediate talking point. Organizers confirmed that invitations were extended to Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, but neither attended. This left the floor open for the attending candidates to critique the current administration without rebuttal.
MISSING IN ACTION
- Invited: Sen. Michael Bennet (D), AG Phil Weiser (D)
- Status: Did not respond/attend
- Impact: The forum focused exclusively on opposition strategies to the current Democratic leadership.
“I’m pleased to have the candidates together all within one room, where we can all be hearing the same words at the same time,” said AC Elliot, a local resident who attended the event. For many in the room, the gathering was less about partisan cheerleading and more about vetting who has the stamina to flip the governor’s mansion.
Economic Strain and Public Safety dominate
The most heated moments of the night centered on the economy and crime. Each candidate painted a picture of a state in decline, citing crumbling infrastructure and suffocating regulations. Jason Mikesell, leaning on his law enforcement background, argued that economic health is impossible without public safety.
“Businesses are leaving, the over-regulation of those businesses, the loss of jobs, and we have unsafe streets,” Mikesell stated firmly. His message resonated with attendees worried about the intersection of crime rates and local commerce.
Barbara Kirkmeyer, a seasoned legislator, broadened the scope to include the physical state of Colorado. She described a “mess” that extends beyond just policy.1
Greg Lopez took a direct shot at the legislative process itself. He argued that families feel neglected because the government has lost touch with the average citizen’s struggle. “Families feel neglected, small businesses are buried… our economy is suffering,” Lopez said.
Key Issues Identified by Candidates:
- Cost of Living: Spiraling inflation and housing costs.
- Public Safety: Rising crime rates deterring business investment.
- Infrastructure: Poor road conditions across the state.
- Regulation: Excessive red tape harming small business growth.
Deep Divergence on Policy and Values
While the diagnosis of “crisis” was shared, the proposed solutions revealed deep philosophical differences among the candidates. Scott Bottoms made it clear that his governance would be rooted in religious conviction.
“We are attacking life. We don’t have a respect or a sanctity of life anymore,” Bottoms said. When asked about decision-making, he rejected the idea of governing by committee. “If you’re taking a consensus, let them lead. If you’re going to lead, then lead.”
Maria Orms brought a different perspective, focusing on privacy and technology. She warned the audience about the surveillance state, claiming that personal data is being harvested from cars and devices to “categorize” and divide citizens. Her solution emphasized a shift in mindset. “Surround yourself with people who are positive,” Orms advised, suggesting that cultural morale is just as important as policy.
Chaz Evanson, running as an Independent, struck a darker, more urgent tone regarding civil liberties. “Our rights are no longer secure in Colorado… And our lives are no longer secure,” he warned. Evanson called for a leader willing to “stand in the fire” and make unpopular decisions to protect liberty.
Candidate Focus Areas
| Candidate | Primary Focus | Leadership Style |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Bottoms (R) | Sanctity of Life / Faith | Decisive, non-consensus |
| Jason Mikesell (R) | Law Enforcement / Business | Front-line leadership |
| Maria Orms (R) | Data Privacy / Tech | Positive energy, listening |
| Greg Lopez (I) | Economy / Families | Action-oriented |
| Barb Kirkmeyer (R) | Infrastructure / Safety | Keeping promises |
| Chaz Evanson (I) | Civil Liberties | Courage under fire |
A New Generation of Voters Weighs In
The venue itself—a university campus—highlighted the importance of the youth vote in the upcoming election. Students from Colorado Mesa University made up a significant portion of the audience. Their reactions suggested that younger voters are looking for substance over soundbites.
Alexander Hitt, a CMU student, admitted he hadn’t been invested in politics previously. “I figure now that I’m… becoming an adult, doing adult things, that I should at least go and learn about it,” Hitt said. His sentiment reflected a growing curiosity among Gen Z voters about how state policy affects their future job prospects and rent prices.
Lisa Binse, another attendee, emphasized that listening isn’t enough. “It’s one thing to be informed, but you’ve got to act on it as well,” she noted.
The forum concluded without a clear winner, but it succeeded in distinguishing the personalities in the race. From Mikesell’s “lead from the front” grit to Kirkmeyer’s focus on reliability and keeping one’s word, voters left with a clearer picture of their options.
As the race heats up, these six candidates face the difficult task of converting frustration into votes. They must convince a skeptical electorate that they not only understand the problems but possess the specific skills to fix them. With the primary season approaching, the Grand Junction forum served as a critical opening salvo in the battle for Colorado’s soul.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Colorado right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #ColoradoVotes2026.
