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State Board of Education Republican candidates lead in 3 districts

Republican Yazmin Navarro, Republican Sheri Wright and Republican Kristi Brown all lead early

Colorado voters elected four members of the Colorado State Board of Education on Tuesday night to represent Districts 2, 3, 4, and 8.

The District 2 seat was decided in the primary election, with Democrat Kathy Gebhardt defeating intra-party opponents. She did not face a general election contest.

In District 8, Republican Yazmin Navarro is currently leading Democrat Rhonda Solis, the only incumbent running for the state’s four open seats. As of 10 p.m., Navarro held a narrow lead with 50.8% of the vote, while Solis trails at just over 49%, early and unofficial results show.

Colorado’s 8th District stretches along Interstate 25 and encompasses Adams County, Larimer County, and Weld County sections. Brighton, Commerce City, Greeley, Johnstown, Northglenn, and Thornton are the largest population centers.

In District 3, Republican Sheri Wright — who wants the board to focus on more discipline and better pay for teachers in the classroom — is leading Democrat Ellen Angeles with 55% of the votes tallied as of 10 p.m. Tuesday Angeles trails with 44%.

The 3rd District covers most of Colorado’s Western Slope and parts of Southern Colorado, including Pueblo County and the San Luis Valley. Its major cities are Grand Junction, Pueblo, Durango and Aspen.

In District 4, outspoken Republican Kristi Burton Brown looks to be on her way to victory over Democratic challenger Krista Holtzmann, with a 19-point lead at 10 p.m., according to early and unofficial results.

Colorado’s District 4 covers Adams, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma counties.

The State Board of Education is comprised of nine elected board members. The district boundaries align with the state’s eight Congressional Districts, with one at-large seat created in redistricting in 2022. Currently, there are six Democrats and three Republicans on the board.

Board members serve staggered six-year terms.

The State Board of Education provides educational leadership for the state, including appointing key personnel, approving the Department of Education budget, and setting rules, regulations, and policies governing education levels between kindergarten and 12 grade.

The Colorado Department of Education serves as the administrative arm of the State Board of Education. It implements state and federal education laws, disburses funds, and holds schools and districts accountable. The department is also tasked with licensing educators and providing transparency in public performance and financial data.

FILE PHOTO (Berezko/iStock)
FILE PHOTO (Berezko/iStock)
Rhonda Solis an incumbent Democrat running for the State Board of Education in District 8.
Rhonda Solis an incumbent Democrat running for the State Board of Education in District 8.
Kristi Burton Brown is running on the Republican ticket for the District 4 seat on the State Board of Education.
Kristi Burton Brown is running on the Republican ticket for the District 4 seat on the State Board of Education.
Krista Holtzmann is a Democrat running for the District 4 seat on the State Board of Education. (Courtesy photo)
Krista Holtzmann is a Democrat running for the District 4 seat on the State Board of Education. (Courtesy photo)
Yazmin Navarro
Yazmin Navarro
Democrat Ellen Angeles is running for a State Board of Education seat in District 3. (Courtesy photo)
Democrat Ellen Angeles is running for a State Board of Education seat in District 3. (Courtesy photo)
Sherri Wright a Republican candidate for the State Board of Education in District 3.
Sherri Wright a Republican candidate for the State Board of Education in District 3.


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