Two Democrats are vying to secure their party’s nomination for the University of Colorado’s at-large regent seat, the only statewide position up for grabs this year. 

The position is one of three open seats within the university’s governing body, which is currently made up of five Democrats and four Republicans.

Charles “CJ” Johnson and Elliott Hood are seeking to win the favor of Colorado’s more than one million registered Democrats and roughly 1.9 million unaffiliated voters.

The victor of Tuesday’s primary election will face Republican Eric Rinard in the November general election. The winner will replace Lesley Smith, the current at-large regent. Smith is a Democrat.  

Both CU graduates, Johnson and Hood agree on making the university system more “sustainable” and climate friendly, but they differ in some of their emphasis. Hood advocates for petitioning the state government and “fixing TABOR” for more funding to reduce tuition costs. Johnson wants to prioritize “financial sustainability” and find “creative ways to manage costs,” he told Colorado Politics.

“We must find innovative ways to manage finances to ensure the quality of education, while also addressing rising tuition costs and financial aid availability,” Johnson’s campaign said on his website.

Hood, on the other hand, advocates for finding ways to lower book costs, provide affordable housing for students and lock in tuition rates during a student’s freshman year.

His primary priorities are to make CU more affordable and accessible, he said in the 2024 voter guide.

Notably, Hood wants to ban concealed-carry on campus.

“We have the authority under state and federal law to ban conceal carry, and, as Regent, I will be a voice for doing so,” he said on his website. 

Both candidates support furthering “diversity, equity and inclusion” policies. Hood wants to retain students and faculty of color at CU, while Johnson says the university needs to address issues of under-representation. Hood also wants to improve what he calls “geographic diversity.” He didn’t elaborate. 

“Access to quality higher education provides pathways to opportunity and should be accessible to middle-class working class and poor families just as it is to those who can afford the rising cost of tuition,” Johnson said.

Johnson has earned the support of several notable Denver-area leaders, including former Mayors Wellington Webb and Michael Hancock. Former State Rep. Wilma Webb and current state Sens. James Coleman and Rhonda fields, as well as state Reps Jennifer Bacon and Regina English, also endorsed him.

Denver City Councilmember Darrell Watson and former Denver City Councilmember Albus Brooks are also backing Johnson.

Hood enjoys support from two CU Regents, including Smith. He also has the backing of House Speaker Julie McCluskie. State Sens. Chris Hansen and Jeff Bridges, who represent Denver area districts, have endorsed him, as well.

Also among his supporters are Denver City Councilmember Chris Hinds, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, and Denver Public Schools Director Kimberlee Sia.