The father of an Aurora theater shooting victim launched his run Tuesday against state Sen. Jack Tate, R-Centennial, who was appointed to represent the heavily Republican Senate District 27 in December.

Democrat Tom Sullivan — a retired postal worker, Air Force veteran and member of the AFL-CIO Colorado executive board — has been a regular presence at the state Capitol, lobbying and testifying in favor of gun control legislation for more than three years since his son Alex was one of 12 killed by James Holmes at an Aurora movie theater in 2012.

“Through these experiences, I realized I had a voice, and it was being heard,” Sullivan said at his campaign launch at Silo Park in Greenwood Village. “I want to be a voice for economic freedom for middle class families in our community and make an impact on everyday people like us. It’s time we stand together to level the playing field for middle class Coloradans and create an economy that works for everyone, not just the very wealthy and well connected.”

Democrats say Sullivan’s candidacy expands the playing field for control of the state Senate — the GOP holds the majority by a single seat — and could force Republicans to defend a district that hasn’t been up for grabs as long as anyone can remember.

Republicans hold a 10-point advantage among active, registered voters in the district, and some of the state’s most prominent Republicans have held the seat for decades, including former Gov. Bill Owens, U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman and former Senate Minority Leader John Andrews. Former state Sen. David Balmer, R-Centennial, nearing the end of his second term, stepped down in December, and a GOP vacancy committee named Tate, a former state representative, to the seat.

“I think it’s very winnable with Tom Sullivan as our candidate,” said Andrew Short, executive director of the Democratic Senate Campaign Fund, a state party organization. “This is going to be a high-turnout presidential year,” he noted, adding that expensive rents in Denver have been encouraging Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters to move into Arapahoe County, bolstering Sullivan’s chances.

“It’s a very high priority,” Short said. “We think we have a strong chance.”

Sullivan came out swinging at his announcement, labeling Tate “too extreme” for the district’s voters.

“My opponent has dedicated his political career to one single issue: looking out for the very wealthy and well connected. Our community deserves better,” Sullivan said.

“When you vote in favor of a bill to outlaw all abortions, even in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of a woman, you are too extreme to represent our community,” Sullivan said. “And if you choose to side with your own party over the people of Arapahoe County and the overwhelming number of Coloradans who support background checks, you are too extreme and out of touch to serve here.”

Asked how his son Alex has influenced his decision to run for the seat, Sullivan stopped to compose himself and then looked up for a moment.

“I can hear him,” Sullivan said, smiling. “As a parent, everything you do as a parent is to make your kids proud of you.” His voice breaking, he continued: “You never want to let them down. And I would certainly hope that the actions that I take, I continue to do to make him proud of me.”

Tate told The Colorado Statesman he wasn’t acquainted with Sullivan but welcomed him to the race. “It is proper that the citizens of SD-27 have a choice,” Tate said. But he also swung back at his newly minted challenger.

“Based on his immediate attacks today, it does not bode well for his candidacy that he negatively involves himself in mischaracterizations of my record from the very start,” Tate said.

“Folks in Arapahoe County appreciate my strong record of advocating for more local control of education, increased funding for the classroom, and responsible stewardship of State finances. They also look to me to help lead the charge for small businesses, entrepreneurs and job-creation.”

Through the end of December, Tate had raised $31,911 and had the same amount on hand, reporting no expenditures, according to campaign finance reports.

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Steve House told The Statesman he was confident in Tate’s chances.

“Sen. Jack Tate comes from middle class values and has taken their interests to heart throughout his career as a legislator,” House said. “Anyone who knows Jack knows he is an incredibly decent human being and cares deeply for his community. We look forward to communicating Jack’s record of standing up commonsense conservative principles to the voters of Greenwood Village.”

— ernest@coloradostatesman.com