Overview:
Bucket List readers on Nextdoor say Colorado’s next governor should focus less on Trump and more on local issues.
When Bucket List Community News asked five Coloradans what qualities they want in the next governor as part of our new series Bucket List on the Street, many talked about honesty, environmental protection, humane immigration policy, the economy and how Colorado leaders should respond to the federal government.
Then the comments started rolling in.
More than 120 people responded to the story on Nextdoor. The primary thing they care about? Putting federal party affiliation aside to focus on local issues in Colorado.
Jerry Palmer from Arvada, Colo., said that all of the voters we talked to gave examples “that do nothing for the state.” Palmer said he is looking for a governor who will “cut spending, stop wasting tax dollars on frivolous lawsuits on the Fed, like enforcement of immigration laws and ICE, investigate Medicaid/Medicare fraud … stand up for law enforcement and stop setting criminals free.”
Other commenters echoed that desire for state-level focus.
Melanie H. from Lakewood, Colo., said, “Governors should stop pushing their problems around from one suburb to another. Save our water. Pass the SAVE Act for voting. Stand up for animal abuse and stop the horse roundups. Support our law enforcement. Cut property taxes.”
Several readers said they want to hear less about President Donald Trump and more about policies that would affect Coloradans directly.
Jeff Long of Littleton said he wants a governor who will help “ALL people that live in Colorado, even the Republicans.”
“Stop concentrating on who hates Trump more and start thinking about the needs of your constituents,” said Terrance Teitscheid from Westminster, Colo. “We need a balanced budget with no pork.”
Lizzie F. of Denver made a similar point, saying that making federal concerns the center of a campaign “tells the voter nothing about how you want to shape the state.”
Not everyone agreed. Some commenters said Trump and his administration’s policies remain central to what the next governor will have to confront. Randi Johnson of Greenwood Acres said the focus on Trump is important because of the effect federal decisions can have on states.
“Problem is that Trump is an authoritarian and inserts himself in the states’ business,” Johnson said. “He’s not following the rule of law, defunded many programs we need, cares not about our climate, is trying to do away with all energy except oil and coal … he is literally a heavy burden on the states. This is the reality, and this is why most educated people are talking about Trump.”
Other commenters focused on geography, arguing that the next governor should pay attention to the whole state, not only the Front Range’s largest population centers.
“The focus is on what’s best for all Coloradans,” said Allyson Zoellner from Foxfield, Colo. “Not just Denver, Boulder and (Jefferson County) is the job of the governor.”
Across the comment thread, readers raised concerns about health care, food access, education, pedestrian safety, the state budget, taxes, water, public safety, immigration and the cost of living.
Jennifer M. of Englewood said she wants a candidate with “an appetite for protecting sovereignty (and) a pluralistic vision for the future of Colorado.”
Kathy Kosky of Wash Park West said she is looking for someone “honest, truthful, (with a) willingness to serve.”
Jeanette Hensley of Thornton said she wants a governor who puts citizens first, not “the almighty dollar or their ego.”
Patty Brittingham of Sloan’s Lake/Highlands said she wants someone “fiscally conservative and responsible. American patriot.”
The comments reflected a wide range of political views, but many returned to the same underlying question: What should Colorado’s next governor actually do for Colorado?
Colorado’s 2026 gubernatorial primaries will be held June 30. On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser are running for the nomination. On the Republican side, state Rep. Scott Bottoms, ministry leader Victor Marx and state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer are competing for the nomination.
The full comments on Bucket List’s June 16 Nextdoor post can be found here.
