Mail ballots are due June 30 by 7 p.m. For readers who have yet to cast their votes, The Gazette editorial board offers its recommendations once more, below.

Governor

Vote for Barb Kirkmeyer on the Republican primary ballot. Kirkmeyer is a smart and seasoned veteran of politics and policy — ready to serve as the state’s next chief exec. She is in fact the one truly credible and serious Republican vying for the office — and the only Republican who can carry the day next Nov. 3 against either of two well-funded Democrats. Kirkmeyer also has the potential to reboot the state Republican Party as Colorado’s leading voice for economic prosperity, public safety, fiscal prudence and regulatory restraint. A Kirkmeyer victory in the GOP primary would signal to all Coloradans that the state’s Republican Party is back. We encourage unaffiliated voters, as well — who are eligible to cast a Republican ballot in the primary — to vote for Kirkmeyer to rescue Colorado from the political fringes. Currently a state senator representing parts of Weld, Larimer and Broomfield counties, Kirkmeyer has championed common-sense conservative policies at a Capitol dominated by progressive Democrats. Kirkmayer can get the state back on track, focusing on the issues that now mean more than ever to Coloradans across the board who are longing for a change.  

Attorney general

Vote for Michael Allen on the Republican primary ballot. In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has become a platform for partisan politics, headline-chasing litigation, and wading into national political fights. Meanwhile, Coloradans have watched crime surge and wondered who’s minding the store. Allen, who is currently Fourth Judicial District attorney, is an experienced and trustworthy choice. The career prosecutor has become a leading voice against our legislature’s terribly misguided “justice reform” policies, testifying before the legislature and speaking out on national television. His aversion to partisan games — and his insistence justice comes first — is overdue at the attorney general’s office. Allen isn’t likely to spend his days joining lawsuit after lawsuit against presidential administrations or appearing on national TV to talk national politics. He’ll be laser-focused on restoring justice to Colorado.

Congress

3rd Congressional District: Vote for Jeff Hurd on the Republican primary ballot. When the Gazette’s editorial board endorsed Jeff Hurd in 2024 to represent Colorado’s vast and diverse 3rd Congressional District, it was clear he was meant for the job. It’s clearer than ever now, nearly two years later, after his first term in the post. The Grand Junction native has done right by his district, representing — and embodying — its generally conservative but fiercely independent nature. The Republican Hurd has proven himself to be a true public servant: relentless in advocating for CD-3 and the West Slope; loyal to his party’s principles and fearless when he takes a stand for his constituents — even if it means pushing back at powers that be, including the White House. And Hurd does it all with dignity and without a trace of ego — as our board was reminded after a couple of recent conversations with him. Naturally likable, super smart, highly effective yet humble to the core. We enthusiastically endorse Hurd for reelection — in the June 30 Republican primary and in the general election next fall.

8th Congressional District: Vote for Gabe Evans on the Republican primary ballot. The Colorado native and grandson of immigrants from Mexico is a veteran of local law enforcement who also served 12 years in the U.S. Army and Colorado Army National Guard as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot and company commander. His Army duty included a combat deployment to the Middle East. His military service also engaged him in wildfire response and search-and-rescue operations across Colorado, where he gained firsthand experience with both challenges. He’s now putting all that experience to work for Colorado in Congress. Evans’ policymaking is also informed by more than a decade serving as an Arvada police officer. He has backed policies to make streets safer again, including bills to combat fentanyl poisonings and sanctuary cities and states, like Colorado, that shield criminal illegal immigrants from lawful federal enforcement. When we endorsed Evans in 2024, we knew he would bring practical leadership and exceptional service to every constituent of Colorado’s arguably most diverse district. Over the past two years, he’s done exactly that — holding fast to the district-first mindset and mainstream values he embraces.