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Election Day November 7, 2023
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Welcome to the Colorado Progressive Voters Guide! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!

City Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the below city races on your ballot.

City of Arvada

John Marriott currently serves on the Arvada City Council and is running for Mayor. Mariott is a business owner and Arvada native.

John Marriott currently serves on the Arvada City Council and is running for Mayor. Mariott is a business owner and Arvada native.

Lauren Simpson is a current Arvada City Council member and is running for Arvada Mayor. She is running to put Arvada voices first and to address issues for everyday Arvadans. If elected, Lauren seeks to bring people together and advance housing solutions for Arvada. Lauren is the progressive running for mayor in Arvada.

Lauren Simpson is a current Arvada City Council member and is running for Arvada Mayor. She is running to put Arvada voices first and to address issues for everyday Arvadans. If elected, Lauren seeks to bring people together and advance housing solutions for Arvada. Lauren is the progressive running for mayor in Arvada.

Bob Loveridge is also running for the Arvada City Council At-Large seat. He is seeking to address crime, homelessness, and potholes in Arvada.

Bob Loveridge is also running for the Arvada City Council At-Large seat. He is seeking to address crime, homelessness, and potholes in Arvada.

Sharon Davis is running for the Arvada City Council At-Large seat. Davis is a committed public servant and avid runner. She is running to address issues of housing, infrastructure, crime prevention, and affordable childcare; and she has the experience to make real change when it comes to addressing the needs of the Arvada community.

Sharon Davis is running for the Arvada City Council At-Large seat. Davis is a committed public servant and avid runner. She is running to address issues of housing, infrastructure, crime prevention, and affordable childcare; and she has the experience to make real change when it comes to addressing the needs of the Arvada community.

City of Aurora

Non-Partisan

Jeffrey Sanford

Jeff Sanford is running for mayor of Aurora. He is a retired veteran.

Jeff Sanford is running for mayor of Aurora. He is a retired veteran.

Juan Marcano currently represents Aurora's Ward 4 and is running for mayor. The son of immigrants, community advocate, and full-time city council member, Marcano has worked diligently to serve the community through the pandemic, through calls for equity among BIPOC communities in Aurora, and through the economic uncertainty of the last several years. If elected, Marcano will work to bring a wholistic approach to affordable housing, solving community safety, and homelessness. Marcano is also an advocate for a downtown Aurora.

Juan Marcano currently represents Aurora's Ward 4 and is running for mayor. The son of immigrants, community advocate, and full-time city council member, Marcano has worked diligently to serve the community through the pandemic, through calls for equity among BIPOC communities in Aurora, and through the economic uncertainty of the last several years. If elected, Marcano will work to bring a wholistic approach to affordable housing, solving community safety, and homelessness. Marcano is also an advocate for a downtown Aurora.

Mike Coffman is runnning for re-election for Mayor of Aurora. After multiple publicity stunts and a highly politicized police department transition following the death of Elijah McClain, Coffman attempted a self-serving campaign this year to turn Aurora into a strong mayor municipality. Coffman is running with a tough on crime, maintain the camping ban, build affordable housing "where it belongs" platform. Coffman is endorsed by the extremist Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights.

Mike Coffman is runnning for re-election for Mayor of Aurora. After multiple publicity stunts and a highly politicized police department transition following the death of Elijah McClain, Coffman attempted a self-serving campaign this year to turn Aurora into a strong mayor municipality. Coffman is running with a tough on crime, maintain the camping ban, build affordable housing "where it belongs" platform. Coffman is endorsed by the extremist Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights.

Alison Coombs currently serves was the Aurora City Council Woman representing Ward 5, and she is running for one of two at-large seats on the Aurora City Council. Coombs is a working mom and was the first LGBTQ+ person elected to the Aurora City Council. Coombs has been a committed advocate for social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, an evidence-based approach to public safety, and immigrant rights. Coombs will continue to effectively work on sustainable infrastructure, economic development, and housing on the Aurora City Council. .

Alison Coombs currently serves was the Aurora City Council Woman representing Ward 5, and she is running for one of two at-large seats on the Aurora City Council. Coombs is a working mom and was the first LGBTQ+ person elected to the Aurora City Council. Coombs has been a committed advocate for social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, an evidence-based approach to public safety, and immigrant rights. Coombs will continue to effectively work on sustainable infrastructure, economic development, and housing on the Aurora City Council. .

Curtis Gardner is seeking re-election for one of the Aurora City Council At-large seats. Gardner is a banker and "keep taxes low" conservative touting the anti-crime, business development mantra. Gardner is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

Curtis Gardner is seeking re-election for one of the Aurora City Council At-large seats. Gardner is a banker and "keep taxes low" conservative touting the anti-crime, business development mantra. Gardner is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

Jono Scott is a Baptist minister running for the Aurora City Council at-large seat. Scott is running to "stop coddling criminals" and keep taxes low. Scott sees himself as a "friend" and coach to many, and would like to see an increased housing supply and open business development for Aurora. Scott is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

Jono Scott is a Baptist minister running for the Aurora City Council at-large seat. Scott is running to "stop coddling criminals" and keep taxes low. Scott sees himself as a "friend" and coach to many, and would like to see an increased housing supply and open business development for Aurora. Scott is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

Dr. Thomas Mayes is a veteran and Colorado native running for Aurora City Council At-Large. Mayes is running to bring about safer neighborhoods through better, community-based policing and through gun violence prevention efforts. Mayes is a progressive running to cultivate and develop the Aurora workforce while addressing homelessness by accelerating and advancing affordable housing in Aurora.

Dr. Thomas Mayes is a veteran and Colorado native running for Aurora City Council At-Large. Mayes is running to bring about safer neighborhoods through better, community-based policing and through gun violence prevention efforts. Mayes is a progressive running to cultivate and develop the Aurora workforce while addressing homelessness by accelerating and advancing affordable housing in Aurora.

City of Commerce City

Non-Partisan

Joseph Dreiling

Joseph Dreiling graduated from Adams City High School and is a homeowner and parent in Commerce City.

Joseph Dreiling graduated from Adams City High School and is a homeowner and parent in Commerce City.

René Bullock is a former Commerce City Councillor and mayor pro tem who retired from United Airlines after 37 years of service, and currently serves as Executive Director of the Commerce City Chamber of Commerce.

René Bullock is a former Commerce City Councillor and mayor pro tem who retired from United Airlines after 37 years of service, and currently serves as Executive Director of the Commerce City Chamber of Commerce.

Steve Douglas is a former Commerce City At-Large Councillor and United Power Board East District Director. Douglas is a 46-year union member, and served on the Regional Air Quality Council, the NLC Federal Advocacy Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure Services, and the E-470 Board.

Steve Douglas is a former Commerce City At-Large Councillor and United Power Board East District Director. Douglas is a 46-year union member, and served on the Regional Air Quality Council, the NLC Federal Advocacy Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure Services, and the E-470 Board.

Charles Dukes is the former Education Policy Director at the City of Denver's Office of Children’s Affairs and member of the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees.

Charles Dukes is the former Education Policy Director at the City of Denver's Office of Children’s Affairs and member of the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees.

Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18

Craig Hurst is an incumbent At-Large City Councillor for Commerce City. Hurst manages the Freight Mobility and Safety Branch at the Colorado Department of Transportation overseeiong permitting for hazardous and nuclear materials transport.

Craig Hurst is an incumbent At-Large City Councillor for Commerce City. Hurst manages the Freight Mobility and Safety Branch at the Colorado Department of Transportation overseeiong permitting for hazardous and nuclear materials transport.

Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18

Yong Gen "Craig" Kim is an incumbent At-Large City Councillor for Commerce City appointed in October of 2022. Kim is a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force.

Yong Gen "Craig" Kim is an incumbent At-Large City Councillor for Commerce City appointed in October of 2022. Kim is a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force.

City of Thornton

Jan Kulmann is an establishment conservative seeking re-election for Thornton Mayor. Kulmann is an oil and gas industry proponent. In 2022, Kulmann failed in her primary bid for new Colorado Congressional District 8 after her cover up as board chair of scandals at Stargate Academy in Thornton

Jan Kulmann is an establishment conservative seeking re-election for Thornton Mayor. Kulmann is an oil and gas industry proponent. In 2022, Kulmann failed in her primary bid for new Colorado Congressional District 8 after her cover up as board chair of scandals at Stargate Academy in Thornton

Julia Marvin is running for Thornton Mayor. A marketing and public outreach professional, Marvin was born and raised in Colorado. Marvin is running to make local politics more accessible and transparent to everyone. Marvin has served on the Thornton City Council since 2019.

Julia Marvin is running for Thornton Mayor. A marketing and public outreach professional, Marvin was born and raised in Colorado. Marvin is running to make local politics more accessible and transparent to everyone. Marvin has served on the Thornton City Council since 2019.

District Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the following district races on your ballot.

City of Arvada, Ward #2

Michael Griffith is a southern architect running for the Arvada City Council. He is running on crime and traffic for Arvada.

Michael Griffith is a southern architect running for the Arvada City Council. He is running on crime and traffic for Arvada.

Army veteran, Shawna Ambrose is running for the Arvada City Council to represent Ward 2. Ambrose is the progressive running for the seat, seeking proactive and sustainable solutions to affordable housing, updates to Arvada's infrastructure, and keeping Arvada affordable for working families. Ambrose is a working mom who is experienced in policy making and takes a pragmatic approach to representing the community.

Army veteran, Shawna Ambrose is running for the Arvada City Council to represent Ward 2. Ambrose is the progressive running for the seat, seeking proactive and sustainable solutions to affordable housing, updates to Arvada's infrastructure, and keeping Arvada affordable for working families. Ambrose is a working mom who is experienced in policy making and takes a pragmatic approach to representing the community.

City of Arvada, Ward #4

Bob Fifer is running for re-election to the Arvada City Council, representing District 4. Bob is running to keep Arvada moving forward after his years of service on the city council.

Bob Fifer is running for re-election to the Arvada City Council, representing District 4. Bob is running to keep Arvada moving forward after his years of service on the city council.

Jessica Penske is a conservative-seeming generalist, who opposes proposition HH and taxes. She is running for Arvada's Ward 4.

Jessica Penske is a conservative-seeming generalist, who opposes proposition HH and taxes. She is running for Arvada's Ward 4.

City of Aurora, Ward #4

Colorado native, Jonathan Gray is running for Aurora City Council Ward 4. Gray is a family man with a background in non-profit work, education, and finance. He is a progressive running to address public safety and health in Aurora while ensuring a robust future that includes economic growth and housing for all in Aurora. Jon seeks comprehensive solutions and innovative ideas to keep Aurora moving forward.

Colorado native, Jonathan Gray is running for Aurora City Council Ward 4. Gray is a family man with a background in non-profit work, education, and finance. He is a progressive running to address public safety and health in Aurora while ensuring a robust future that includes economic growth and housing for all in Aurora. Jon seeks comprehensive solutions and innovative ideas to keep Aurora moving forward.

Stephanie Hancock is running to represent Aurora's Ward 4. Hancock is running to stop crime and reduce the cost of living in Aurora. Hancock is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

Stephanie Hancock is running to represent Aurora's Ward 4. Hancock is running to stop crime and reduce the cost of living in Aurora. Hancock is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

City of Aurora, Ward #5

Chris Rhodes is a progressive and union member running for Aurora City Council, Ward 5. Rhodes is running to robustly make affordable housing a reality in Aurora, community based public safety, thoughtful development and growth that include transit, and to address homelessness by repealing the campaign ban and providing supportive services.

Chris Rhodes is a progressive and union member running for Aurora City Council, Ward 5. Rhodes is running to robustly make affordable housing a reality in Aurora, community based public safety, thoughtful development and growth that include transit, and to address homelessness by repealing the campaign ban and providing supportive services.

Angela Lawson is seeking re-election to the Aurora City Council to represent Ward 5 to focus on quality of life, public safety, and business development. Lawson is running on representing the community, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Lawson is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

Angela Lawson is seeking re-election to the Aurora City Council to represent Ward 5 to focus on quality of life, public safety, and business development. Lawson is running on representing the community, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Lawson is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

City of Aurora, Ward #6

Brian Matise is running to represent Aurora, Ward 6 to bring about greater fiscal responsibility, protect the environment, and advance public safety. Matise is a progressive, long-time Aurora resident and grandfather.

Brian Matise is running to represent Aurora, Ward 6 to bring about greater fiscal responsibility, protect the environment, and advance public safety. Matise is a progressive, long-time Aurora resident and grandfather.

Francoise Bergen is seeking a third term to represent Aurora Ward 6. Bergen has spent her tenure working to landscape medians and fight "illegal marijuana grow operations" in Aurora. Bergan is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

Francoise Bergen is seeking a third term to represent Aurora Ward 6. Bergen has spent her tenure working to landscape medians and fight "illegal marijuana grow operations" in Aurora. Bergan is endorsed by the extremist hate group, the Colorado Conservative Patriot Alliance a "nationalist" group seeking to limit states' rights, ban abortion, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. 

City of Commerce City, Ward #2

Jennifer Allen-Thomas is Commerce City’s mayor pro tem and incumbent Ward 2 City Councillor. Allen-Thomas is a native of Commerce City and a registered nurse employed by the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Jennifer Allen-Thomas is Commerce City’s mayor pro tem and incumbent Ward 2 City Councillor. Allen-Thomas is a native of Commerce City and a registered nurse employed by the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Commerce City Council, Ward 4

David Diop is a US Army Veteran, executive chef, and Commerce City restaurant owner.

David Diop is a US Army Veteran, executive chef, and Commerce City restaurant owner.

Susan Noble is the incumbent Ward 4 City Councillor for Commerce City. Noble is committed to protecting residential areas from oil and gas drilling and promoting safe schools.

Susan Noble is the incumbent Ward 4 City Councillor for Commerce City. Noble is committed to protecting residential areas from oil and gas drilling and promoting safe schools.

School Board

Depending on where you live, you may have the following school district races on your ballot.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools

We believe Alexis Marsh-Holschen is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Alexis Marsh-Holschen is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Lori Goldstein

We believe Lori Goldstein is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Lori Goldstein is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Paula Battistelli is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Paula Battistelli is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Adams 27J

Rachel Wilhelm

We believe Rachel Wilhelm is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Rachel Wilhelm is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Melinda Carbajal

We believe Melinda Carbajal is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Melinda Carbajal is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Tom Green

We believe Tom Green is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Tom Green is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Adams-Arapahoe School District (Aurora Public Schools)

Danielle Tomwing

We believe Danielle Tomwing is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Danielle Tomwing is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Tiffany Tasker

We believe Tiffany Tasker is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Tiffany Tasker is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Vicki Reinhard

We believe Vicki Reinhard is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Vicki Reinhard is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Westminster School Board

Audrey Yanos

We believe Audrey Yanos is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Audrey Yanos is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Christine Martinez is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Christine Martinez is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Mary Beth Murphy

We believe Mary Beth Murphy is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

We believe Mary Beth Murphy is the best choice in this race based on endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. While we have not been able to conduct our standard independent research on this race, we encourage you to visit their website, social media, or voters’ pamphlet statement to learn more.

Statewide Ballot Measures

VOTE YES

Support Proposition HH for property tax relief that also protects Colorado schools.

Proposition HH is a measure referred by the Colorado General Assembly to voters to address rising property taxes as a result of the enormous appreciation in home values in Colorado in recent years. Proposition HH reduces the rate of property tax increase while ensuring that public school districts reliant on property tax funding don't lose out in the bargain. Proposition HH would reduce but not eliminate refunds paid under the 1992 Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to backfill education funding that would otherwise be lost.

Proposition HH is a measure referred by the Colorado General Assembly to voters to address rising property taxes as a result of the enormous appreciation in home values in Colorado in recent years. Proposition HH reduces the rate of property tax increase while ensuring that public school districts reliant on property tax funding don't lose out in the bargain. Proposition HH would reduce but not eliminate refunds paid under the 1992 Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to backfill education funding that would otherwise be lost.