Editor’s note: Active voter registration numbers are current as of Sept. 25, 2024, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. The candidates’ responses have been edited for clarity and brevity. 

House District 16

The district’s boundaries include Highway 24 to the south and Highway 25 to the west.

Voter registration: Democrats 11,703; Republicans 13,625; Unaffiliated 27,606. Total active voters: 54,401

Stephanie Vigil (incumbent)

Party: Democrat

Bio: Stephanie Vigil is running for her second term. She’s a community organizer, renter, and an essential worker. For the last five years she has worked as a delivery driver. She’s a native of Monroe, Michigan.

If re-elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

Housing and transportation choices: Colorado will see once-in-a-lifetime funding for transit, in particular, in the coming years, and it is crucial that this funding makes it to Colorado Springs. Abundant housing and multiple transportation choices make our local economy stronger, and create opportunities for community members from all walks of life.

Briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

This sometimes surprises people, but bipartisanship is the norm in the Colorado General Assembly. Most bills get at least one vote from the minority, and many of those are even prime-sponsored by a minority caucus member. I always welcome the opportunity to find common ground across the aisle, both in committee and on the House floor.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

It’s an interesting idea, and I do support the open primary system we already have in place. I’m concerned, however, that this policy has not been fully developed, and would come with unresolved implementation issues and a hefty price tag ($21 million in the first few years). This is a really big reform, and doing it poorly could have unintended consequences.

Rebecca Keltie

Party: Republican

Bio: A 21-year retired veteran of the U.S. Navy, Rebecca Keltie is a Department of Defense contract engineer. She has two adult sons who are currently serving in the military. She is a descendant of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and is distantly related to Betsy Ross, the designer of the first official U.S. flag.

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

If elected, my primary priorities revolve around making Colorado affordable and safe: Identify ways to cut state taxes, ensure Colorado is not a sanctuary state and increase penalties for serious offenses including drug distribution and child related crimes.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

It’s critical to partner with colleagues across the political aisle to make sustainable and meaningful change in Colorado. I believe it’s best to start by identifying and solving issues that we agree on which would result in a positive impact on all Coloradans. When partnering with colleagues, it’s important to communicate with objectivity, honesty, and respect.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

I do not support Prop 131 (RCV). It’s extremely confusing to the voter and requires people to vote in hypothetical situations and/or for people they may have never voted for. Additionally, RCV is complex and convoluted, lacks transparency, and it’s difficult for results to be verified. Of the three states with RCV, Alaska is already repealing it.

House District 19

The district includes the far eastern part of Boulder County and Weld County south of Highway 66 to the borders with Adams and Boulder counties. The district includes the communities of Erie, Firestone, Frederick and Dacono.

Voter registration: Democrats 16,255; Republicans 16,251; unaffiliated 35,012. Total active voters: 68,859

Dan Woog

Party: Republican

Bio: A father of two and a small business owner, Dan Woog previously served in the Colorado House in 2021-22 for House District 63. He worked across the aisle to pass laws that lowered taxes and support law enforcement officers who had gone through traumatic experiences.

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

Lower cost of living: Reduce fees that have been added to multiple industries to drive costs down and reduce taxes anywhere possible; protect our communities: hold criminals accountable, fund our law enforcement and curb illegal immigration; and, support and promote various forms of renewable energy production, including solar and the consideration of nuclear.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

As a legislator, I learned very quickly how to work with state Democrats in order to best serve constituents and residents of Colorado. That ability to reach across the aisle to ensure the best representation possible is vital for HD 19 and I was successful at doing this with several pieces of legislation that lowered taxes and provided support to law enforcement.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

Ranked choice voting created some issues in Alaska, with people gaming the system for the 3rd and 4th spots on the ballot. The more people we can get engaged in voting the better and I do not know if ranked choice voting does that. I also understand that it can create some auditing issues. I will be attending a presentation on ranked choice voting very soon and hope to have a better understanding of the pros and cons from different perspectives.

Jillaire McMillan

Party: Democrat

Bio: Jillaire McMillan moved to Colorado in 2016 with her husband and four children. She is a nonprofit director and a few years ago co-founded a marine robotics company with her husband. She is actively engaged in public service in schools, congregations and neighborhoods. McMillan was chosen by a vacancy committee to run for the seat after Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, chose not to run for re-election after the primary.

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

I will prioritize policies that create healthier, safer, and more accessible communities. I will explore programs to train, attract, and retain more health care providers in Colorado. Gun violence can be reduced through sensible reforms without infringing on the second amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. Public transportation benefits traffic congestion, the environment, and personal expenses. Increasing transportation access for constituents will be a priority for me.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

A democracy is healthiest when many voices are heard. Since 2017, I have been a leader in a nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers women to be informed peacemakers in the civic sphere. Working with people from across the political spectrum has taught me to listen with curiosity and communicate with respect. That’s how I think and work.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

I support electoral reform that will help moderate extremism and give voters the best choices. Ranked choice voting may be one way to achieve that. However, I am concerned that Proposition 131 will create a confusing two-ballot system because not all races would be determined via ranked choice voting.

House District 25

The district encompasses west Jefferson County, from Genesee to the boundaries with Douglas and Park counties. It also includes Evergreen, Indian Hills, Kittredge, Conifer and Pine.

Voter registration: Democrats 16,032; Republicans 18,555; Unaffiliated 34,736. Total active voters: 70,525

Tammy Story (incumbent)

Party: Democrat

Tammy Story did not respond to the Colorado Politics questionnaire. 

George Mumma

Party: Republican

Bio: George Mumma began his career in law enforcement with the Littleton Police Department and spent 40 years in Jefferson County as a patrol officer, SWAT team breacher, K9 handler, crimes against children detective, senior investigator for the district attorney, and master firearms instructor. He also served as chief of police in Morrison. Mumma is married to Lisa and they three sons, who also have served in the military.

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

My top three priorities are to decrease crime and increase accountability for criminals, ensure that school funding stays close to the classroom and that families have robust and effective school options that meet their children’s educational needs, focus on reducing the cost of living for families in Colorado by evaluating budgets and working to determine where changes can be made to lower taxes and fees, reduce the cost of groceries, gas and housing for Coloradans.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

I am a proven collaborator that has a track record of bringing people with differing views to the table to problem solve complex issues. I look for what we have in common over where we differ. If we begin at a place of agreement we are more likely to negotiate a win-win solution. As the leader of the Jefferson County Juvenile Assessment Center, I worked tirelessly with opposing agencies for the families of Jeffco to find solutions when their children needed it most.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

This is a challenging issue. The current system of selecting candidates by parties seems to have low interest and apathy from the community. In Colorado, with over 50% of the voters opting out of party membership, the issues with the system must be addressed. Having seen what has happened in other states that adopted this proposed system, it appears to have been a failure. I think that we need to get all of the stakeholders in the room to look at all options from maintaining the current system across the spectrum to an open system, there may be a compromise or another way of doing it that would be effective and that people could get behind. I’m not an all or nothing type problem solver. There are always options.

*Editor’s note: story has been corrected to remove an unaffiliated candidate not on the ballot.

House District 43

The district is located in Douglas County. The bulk of the voters come from Highlands Ranch, with a small portion from Littleton.

Voter registration: Democrats: 13,559; Republicans: 18,915; Unaffiliated 31,510. Total active voters: 64,887

Bob Marshall  

Party: Democrat

Bio: A Colorado native, Bob Marshall attended Georgetown University and, after graduation, joined the Marine Corps, where he served six years. He attended Cornell Law School and earned a J.D. in business law and an LL.M. in international law. He has worked for a large international law firm as a commercial litigation and appellate specialist, and also with the Internal Revenue Service. Marshall has been married for 30 years. He and his wife have a daughter. 

If re-elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

Good governance: This generally involves structural changes without large funding needs (e.g., requiring that all state grants/tax credits are publicly accessible in a searchable database; providing true legislative oversight capability which is currently lacking); public safety, particularly mental health — law enforcement have become default mental health providers. This is wrong, but likely will need TABOR voter approval; and, taxes — continued streamlining/simplification.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

Seven of my eight bills passed committees last session unanimously (the eighth passed with bipartisan support). I moved two resolutions out of committee with bipartisan support, one with more Republican than Democratic votes. I sponsored 2024 ballot Amendment G, which passed the House unanimously. I will work with everyone across the political spectrum in service to my constituents and Colorado.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

I have taken an agnostic position and encourage people to research it. Many credible good government advocates make a strong case that it can improve representation. But as the great American philosopher Yogi Berra once observed: “In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.”

Matt Burcham

Party: Republican

Bio: Marr Burcham is active in the Douglas County Republican Party, where he served as both a precinct and district captain in Highlands Ranch. He is married Meredith. They three school-aged kids. 

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

Providing tax relief and lowering the cost of living, maintaining public safety and ensuring our kids have access to the best possible education. The above should be prioritized in the state budget without raising taxes and fees.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

I believe in the importance of collaboration, stakeholder engagement, transparency and open communication. In the legislature, I’ll focus on good policy, not politics. I’ll gladly work with my colleagues from both parties to put forth and advance policies that will provide for the betterment of all Coloradans.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

No, I do not support Proposition 131. Ranked choice voting is overly complex, linked to lower voter turnout, and often leads to lengthy delays in election results. Furthermore, it violates the American bedrock principle of “one person-one vote.”

House District 50

The district includes Greeley and Evans in Weld County. It also grabs a small portion of Garden City.  

Voter registration: Democrats: 9,608; Republicans: 8,113; Unaffiliated 21,232. Total active voters: 40,211

Mary Young (incumbent)

Party: Democrat

Mary Young did not respond to the Colorado Politics questionnaire. 

Ryan Gonzalez

Party: Republican

Bio: Ryan Gonzalez moved to the district while in middle school. The son of Mexican immigrants, he was the first member of his family to graduate high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the Monfort School of Business at UNC in Greeley. 

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

My top three priorities are to restore our economy so it is more affordable to live in Colorado, public safety, and parental choice in education. By repealing many of the new fees, and criminal justice laws passed over the last few sessions, it will save Colorado taxpayers and citizens money. We need to pass laws that allow parents more say in their children’s education, removing many of the unfunded mandates tying teachers hands. Eliminating excessive regulations will bring the costs of energy, groceries, and housing down.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

As Democrats are expected to be in the majority, the leadership must include the minority. We’ve seen too many times current leadership create back room deals the minority doesn’t know about until it is introduced on the floor. I will work on finding common ground on issues and solutions that benefit the people of Colorado.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

I do not. Legislation has always been and will always be crafted along philosophical lines. Voters inside the party have the right to elect who they believe will best represent their view points and principles.

House District 58

The district includes the counties of Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel, and the the communities of Gunnison, Telluride, Olathe and Crested Butte. 

Voter registration: Democrats: 12,218; Republicans: 21,801; Unaffiliated 32,041. Total active voters: 67,342

Kathleen Curry

Party: Democrat

Bio: Part of a long time ranch family, Kathleen Curry has worked in the livestock production and water profession for more than 25 years. In the last six years, she has represented Western Slope water and wildlife interests at the state Capitol. She served three terms in the state House from 2005-2010. Curry lives in Gunnison, where she raised two sons. 

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

My top priorities will be improving funding for water infrastructure, providing funding for livestock producers seeking to prevent wolf depredation, and increasing funding for aquatic nuisance species prevention. Assuming that general fund dollars will be very sought after, I will have to advocate for re-prioritizing existing funds and to the extent possible seek new dollars to increase funding for water infrastructure. With regard to funding wolf depredation minimization measures, reallocating existing dollars and seeking new funding will have to be the path forward. And lastly, increasing the budget for aquatic nuisance species will be the same exercise. One hope would also be to advocate for more federal funding.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

I served in the General Assembly previously from 2005 to 2010 and have a proven record of working with both parties on legislation. Most natural resources challenges are not political in nature but are more regionally challenging. In order to develop and adopt solid policy, I believe it is best for the state of Colorado to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and that is how I would proceed if elected.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

I do not support Proposition 131, although I do support the goals of reducing extremism and partisanship. I think the better vehicle to achieve these goals is the creation of districts that are more competitive. It would also be helpful to reduce barriers to participation by unaffiliated voters and potential candidates. That way we could continue to use the existing election process and county election officials would not be faced with a complete overhaul, which could diminish trust in our election results. I have direct experience with the high integrity of our state elections and feel that the approach set forth in Proposition 131 would not work well in statewide races. I believe that such a system would advantage more wealthy candidates in large rural districts because it would take major financial resources to reach voters in large geographical areas.

Larry Don Suckla

Party: Republican

Bio: A resident of Cortez, Don Suckla is a retired firefighter and EMT. He is a former Montezuma County commissioner, and he has worked in logging, manufacturing, construction, farming, ranching, and marketing livestock. He also owns a small business. He is married to Julie and they have two daughters. Suckla won the June primary by three votes.

If elected, what are your Top 3 priorities and how will you fund them?

Eliminate or amend bad bills, fight for parental rights in schools and keep Western Slope water on the Western Slope.

Please briefly describe your philosophy on working with colleagues from across the political aisle.

While I was a commissioner I noticed that Democrats tended to set together and Republicans sat together. I would sit with one side one day and the other side the next day. After doing this and talking with both sides, they trusted me. I would not sell out either side. I will do the same thing as a representative.

Do you support Proposition 131, which changes Colorado’s primary system to an open system? Please briefly explain your answer.

That is a hard no. I will fight to keep the electoral college because it is the only way rural Coloradoans will have a say at the capitol. Ranked choice voting is part of the proposition and like the popular vote, it will hurt the rural voice and give more weight to those in Denver and Boulder.