Running for a political office is not what I planned to do in retirement. But we’ve all seen the pressure Donald Trump and his followers have been putting on our election systems recently. We’ve seen the pressure Donald Trump has placed on Governor Polis and the results of that pressure. It’s unprecedented. So when I saw the need for a democratic candidate to run for Larimer County Clerk & Recorder, I stepped up and raised my hand. I’ve dedicated my career to public service and to helping communities thrive. I believe public service matters, local institutions matter, and Larimer County deserves leadership committed to protecting the integrity, security, and trust that our community depends on.

 

Fort Collins and Larimer County have been my home for more than three decades now. I’m running for Larimer County Clerk & Recorder because I believe this office plays a critical role in protecting one of the foundations of our democracy: public trust in our election system. County government is where elections become reality. It’s where ballots are administered, voter records are maintained, and where the work closest to voters takes place.

 

County Clerks are responsible for, among other things, election integrity and the security of voter data at the county level. I’m running to ensure that we all have a voice in our own government. I believe we must safeguard the integrity of our elections and protect voter information from outside influence while ensuring careful, consistent adherence to the laws and standards that govern our election system. Recent years have shown how important local election administration is, and how much responsibility rests at the county level.

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However, for at least 60 years, a single political party has held onto our County’s Clerk and Recorder Office at the local level. When I’m elected in November, I’ll be the first new Clerk in 24 years elected in Larimer County, without first being appointed to the office. This is the pattern that has been in place locally since 2002 - the Incumbent Clerk resigns before the end of their elected term, their Deputy is appointed Clerk, and then runs as the Incumbent Clerk in the next election, with all the advantages of being the Incumbent, without having to be elected to get these advantages. Sixty years, one party in control and no incentive to question this trend. Until now. When I’m elected, we will break this cycle. 

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The risk of overlooking this race now can have dire consequences. What happens in this 2026 election sets the stage for the 2028 Presidential election. A lot can happen in two years.
 

This campaign is about service, responsibility, and ensuring that the systems people count on continue to work for everyone. I will stand up fiercely to protect your confidential voter information and your electoral process from the extraordinary federal over-reach currently taking place.