Promising to not elevate taxes if elected Colorado governor subsequent yr, Weld County resident, former county commissioner and State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer introduced she was getting into the crowded race Tuesday night, saying “it’s time.”
“It’s time that we’ve a governor who is aware of learn how to govern, one who believes that Colorado’s finest days are forward of us,” Kirkmeyer stated, touting her credentials as a mom, grandmother, businesswoman and skilled legislator.
Kirkmeyer introduced her run in entrance of about 50 supporters on the Historic Fort Lupton website in southern Weld. Kirkmeyer informed the group that she wouldn’t elevate taxes as governor whereas combating for affordability, training and security in communities.
She additionally stated she would “repair the rattling roads” in Colorado.
“And you may return and take a look at my monitor file as Weld County commissioner,” Kirkmeyer added. “I’ll associate with native governments to truly clear up issues as a result of that’s what a governor ought to do.”
Kirkmeyer joins a number of Republican candidates who’ve filed to run as of early this week. The sphere to this point contains State Sen. Mark Baisley, State Rep. Scott Bottoms, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell and former interim U.S. Rep. Greg Lopez.
4 Democrats have filed, together with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Colorado Legal professional Basic Phil Weiser.
Weiser was among the many Democrat Social gathering representatives earlier within the day Tuesday to weigh in on Kirkmeyer’s entry into the gubernatorial race saying partly: “I’ve a unique imaginative and prescient for Colorado — centered on freedom and alternative for all-and will combat for hit. I welcome Sen. Kirkmeyer to the race and stay up for a debate in regards to the values and management wants and deserves on this second.”
Democratic Governors Affiliation spokesperson Kevin Donohoe additionally launched an announcement forward of Kirkmeyer’s announcement, accusing her of “working to carry Donald Trump’s deeply unpopular agenda of elevating prices and taking away well being care to Colorado.”
“Whether or not it’s supporting abortion bans or D.C. Republicans’ new regulation that has blown a $1.2 billion gap within the state finances, Kirkmeyer has confirmed over and over that she is just too out-of-touch for Colorado,” Donohoe continued.
Kirkmeyer was elected to the state senate from District 23 in 2020 and once more in 2024. In 2022, she misplaced to Yadira Caraveo within the basic election for the then-new U.S. Home eighth Congressional District seat.
She sat on the Weld County Board of Commissioners from 1993-2000 and once more from 2009-2020. Former county commissioner Steve Moreno and present Commissioner Scott James have been amongst these in attendance at Kirkmeyer’s announcement.
Kirkmeyer stated she finalized her determination to run in August, across the time the state lawmakers convened for a five-day particular session to deal with points with balancing the state finances.
Kirkmeyer spent a whole lot of time Tuesday talking about fiscal conservatism and the state residing inside its means. She additionally spoke of her expertise on the joint finances committee, which research and evaluates the administration and operations of state authorities.
“My expertise with figuring out what’s in that joint finances and what’s in that finances lengthy invoice, and learn how to go in and minimize and what sort of cuts must be made,” Kirkmeyer stated.
“While you’re a governor, you’re a governor for everyone within the state and also you’ve bought to point out that you just’re going to manipulate for everyone, and that you just’re going to work with everyone and whoever it is advisable to maneuver this state ahead,” she added.