Long-timers at the state Capitol would have a hard time imagining the place without state Sen. Matt Jones. Off and on, the Democrat from Louisville has been in the legislature since he was elected to the House in 1986.

But next year, he plans to run for Boulder County Commission, he tells Colorado Politics.

Jones is a former pro mogul skier, wildland firefighter and, this past session, deputy Senate minority leader for Conservation, Clean Energy and Climate Change. During most of his long legislative career, he has been part of the Democratic leadership.

“Having twice survived cancer, I know what it is like to be knocked down,” Jones said. “I also know how to keep hope, get back up and come back stronger, just as we must stand up to Donald Trump and regressive policies. We must keep Boulder County a leader on climate, public lands, transportation, and education. We cannot let Trump and the federal government undercut the progress Boulder County has made.

“We have a great county. I’ll fight to keep it that way.”

Jones is seeking the District 3 County Commission seat held by Cindy Domenico, who faces term limits next year.

Jones was re-elected to the Senate last year, after he ran without opposition. If he loses the County Commission race, he’ll still have a job in Denver.

The race won’t be easy. Lafayette Mayor Christine Berg filed to run for the seat in April. Interestingly enough, she endorsed Jones for state Senate.

Besides a stellar legislative career, Jones  touts 18 years in local government as a Boulder open space and trails planner and part-time wildland firefighter. He fought the Fourmile fire in Boulder County in 2010.

He said he would work for solar energy and and a commuter rail to Boulder, as well as oppose oil and gas companies’ overreach.