Promising to not increase taxes if elected Colorado governor subsequent yr, Weld County resident, former county commissioner and State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer introduced she was coming into the crowded race Tuesday night, saying “it’s time.”
“It’s time that we have now a governor who is aware of how you can govern, one who believes that Colorado’s greatest 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 web site in southern Weld. Kirkmeyer advised the group that she wouldn’t increase 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’ll return and have a look at my observe document as Weld County commissioner,” Kirkmeyer added. “I’ll accomplice with native governments to truly resolve 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 consists of 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 Get together representatives earlier within the day Tuesday to weigh in on Kirkmeyer’s entry into the gubernatorial race saying partially: “I’ve a special imaginative and prescient for Colorado — targeted on freedom and alternative for all-and will struggle for hit. I welcome Sen. Kirkmeyer to the race and sit up for a debate concerning the values and management wants and deserves on this second.”
Democratic Governors Affiliation spokesperson Kevin Donohoe additionally launched a press release 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 legislation that has blown a $1.2 billion gap within the state finances, Kirkmeyer has confirmed time and again that she is simply 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 had been amongst these in attendance at Kirkmeyer’s announcement.
Kirkmeyer stated she finalized her resolution to run in August, across the time the state lawmakers convened for a five-day particular session to handle points with balancing the state finances.
Kirkmeyer spent loads of time Tuesday talking about fiscal conservatism and the state dwelling 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 understanding what’s in that joint finances and what’s in that finances lengthy invoice, and how you can go in and lower and how much cuts must be made,” Kirkmeyer stated.
“If you’re a governor, you’re a governor for everyone within the state and also you’ve received to point out that you simply’re going to control for everyone, and that you simply’re going to work with all people and whoever you might want to to maneuver this state ahead,” she added.
