Two Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners seats are up for election in November in Districts 2 and 4. Both Democratic incumbents are running for reelection.

In the District 2 Democratic primary election, incumbent Jessica Campbell is the only other Democrat. There is one Republican candidate running unopposed.

In the District 4 Democratic primary election, incumbent Leslie Summey faces one other Democrat as well. There is one Republican candidate running unopposed.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some responses have been edited for length.

District 2

District 2 includes Greenwood Village, Foxfield, most of Centennial, part of Aurora and unincorporated central Arapahoe County.

Incumbent Campbell is running against Democrat Angela Garland. There is one Republican candidate, Carl Schuldies.

Jessica Campbell (D)

What makes you the best candidate for this role?

My record. In the three and a half years at the County, I have led on securing a $125 million commitment to improving our roads and bridges, establishing the strictest oil and gas regulations in the state, creating a permanent affordable housing fund and creating a permanent eviction prevention program with wraparound services; creating our first countywide strategic plan and the alignment of our budget with that plan; creating the county’s first Fly Quiet program for flight schools. These efforts are producing results. One example: unhoused homelessness is down 35% in Arapahoe with no families sleeping on the street.

What are the top three challenges Arapahoe County is facing and how would you address them?

Growth is creating several related issues. In a second term, I’ll build off my first term’s work on sustainable growth.

1. Cost of living: build off our historic investments in creating affordable housing, and move into support for ownership. I’ve already started working on a revolving loan fund and more.
2. Traffic: continue work improving roads for flow and safety, micromobility and microtransit and increasing public transit services and non-main road travel options.
3. Environment: continue work on preserving open space, work for enhanced discretion to prevent oil and gas operations. Traffic work will help this, too.

What do you love most about Arapahoe County?

Our diversity. We are proudly the most diverse county in the state! We have rural, urban and suburban communities. Over 164 languages are spoken in Arapahoe. We have a diverse economy. We have diverse architecture. We have new and more historic communities. We have a diverse set of elected officials from our cities, the county and state levels. We have diverse arts and cultural offerings. We have diverse retail options. We have the BEST culinary selection in the state. Any food you could want — we have it in Arapahoe County. Our diversity creates social and economic sustainability. It’s beautiful!

Angela Garland (D)

What makes you the best candidate for this role?

I understand the challenges families face at every stage of life. As a wife, working mother and homeowner, I navigate
The rising costs that affect our communities every day. As the daughter of aging parents, I am committed to helping seniors age with dignity and independence. My ongoing work with young people keeps me focused on creating opportunities for the next generation. I am running to build an Arapahoe County that supports residents of every age and every stage of life.

What are the top three challenges Arapahoe County is facing and how would you address them?

Budget sustainability, affordability and managing growth responsibly. TABOR limitations and insufficient reserves have created budget challenges for many municipalities, making it critical to balance revenues without overburdening residents with new fees. Rising costs are impacting working families, young adults and seniors on fixed incomes. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Colorado, Arapahoe must also ensure growth is guided by smart development, strong public safety, meaningful citizen engagement and responsible allocation of resources to meet community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

What do you love most about Arapahoe County?

What I love most about Arapahoe County is the people. The friends and neighbors who are raising families, supporting one another and building strong community connections often become extended family through school activities, carpools and shared experiences. I also appreciate our small businesses, especially the locally owned restaurants that reflect the diversity, culture and character of our community. Combined with our beautiful open spaces, these relationships and gathering places I want to ensure that Arapahoe County is a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.

Carl Schuldies (R)

What makes you the best candidate for this role? 

Extensive experience with budgeting — personally, business & government.

What are the top three challenges Arapahoe County is facing and how would you address them? 

Crime — ensure law enforcement had adequate resources; affordable fees down, expedite permitting process; limit high water-consuming businesses by zoning restrictions. 

What do you love most about Arapahoe County? 

It’s a wonderful place to raise a family.

District 4

District 4 includes unincorporated northern Arapahoe County, the City of Glendale and portions of the City of Aurora.

Summey is up against one other Democrat, Maya Wheeler. There is one Republican candidate, Sonda “Sunny” Banka.

Banka did not respond to the questionnaire.

Leslie Summey (D)

What makes you the best candidate for this role?

I’ve had a successful first term, and I’ve been entrusted by my fellow commissioners to serve as Chair for two years. I campaigned on removing the TABOR revenue cap. Voters approved 1A to “de-Bruce” the county with 71% of the vote — an example of “promises made — promises kept.” In my first two years, I spearheaded a first-of-its-kind county parking ordinance. I’m serious about doing the work for every resident of our District 4 family and all of Arapahoe County in a way that my constituents know I’m honest, effective and strategic — all in service to them.

What are the top three challenges Arapahoe County is facing and how would you address them?

We have added 700+ affordable housing units and are slated to add more, but the need increases commensurate to growth in the county. Arapahoe County’s affordable housing fund will help us increase our trajectory. We also support homelessness and navigation services with $11.3M in capital projects. Addressing homelessness is an ongoing priority we will continue our investment in. A third challenge is the absorption of civil and domestic cases from Aurora. We’ve invested $6M for new courtrooms in the county court system. Thanks to 1A, we’ve added staff to the District Attorney’s office to improve the timely resolution of justice for victims.

What do you love most about Arapahoe County?

I love the life I’m living here in Arapahoe County and want the same for the 132K folks who live here, all of whom I consider family. We have access to phenomenal open spaces, parks and trails. We have one of the best county fairs around, farmer markets and some of the best family-owned restaurants in the region, serving up whatever you may have a taste for. The Board of Commissioners is working hard to ensure that Arapahoe County remains the county of choice in the region.

Maya Wheeler (D)

What makes you the best candidate for this role?

For more than 15 years, I have worked alongside families, seniors, youth, small businesses and community organizations to help address challenges facing our communities.

Through my work in child welfare and as the founder and executive director of WDC, I have built my career around listening to people, understanding their challenges and helping them navigate complex systems. I also hold master’s degrees in Business Administration, Health Administration and Information Management. This combination of community, professional and educational experience gives me the skills and perspective needed to provide effective leadership and ensure residents feel heard, represented and respected.

What are the top three challenges Arapahoe County is facing and how would you address them?

Public safety, housing affordability and managing growth while maintaining quality services.

Public safety: we must ensure the Sheriff’s Office has the staffing, technology and resources needed to keep residents safe, operate a jail system, support rehabilitation and reentry efforts and enforce county ordinances that protect quality of life.

Housing affordability: the county must use land-use planning, zoning and partnerships to expand housing options, meet state housing requirements and ensure growth is supported by adequate infrastructure and transportation.

Growth responsibly: we must invest taxpayer dollars wisely, improve infrastructure and county services and ensure residents have a voice in decisions that affect their communities.

What do you love most about Arapahoe County?

Its people. As an Aurora resident for more than 30 years, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with residents from many different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and contributes to the county’s innovation, resilience and quality of life.

I also appreciate the strong spirit of service throughout our communities. Whether working with families, seniors, youth, small businesses or nonprofit organizations, I have seen residents come together to solve problems and support one another. That commitment to community is what makes Arapahoe County such a special place to call home.