With 19 Republicans running for the 2026 gubernatorial nomination, the candidates, many of whom are true MAGA patriots, will have to compete to set themselves apart from one another. And while GOP candidates like to quote Reagan’s so-called 11th Commandment, “Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican,” in this crowded field, the reality is that another revised biblical mandate applies: “do unto others before they do unto you.”
Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer (R-Weld County) officially entered the crowded field of Republican gubernatorial candidates after making her official campaign announcement Tuesday. Kirkmeyer will be competing against notable Republicans like former Congressman and Parker Mayor Greg Lopez, Rep. Scott Bottoms (R-Colorado Springs), Sen. Mark Baisley (R-Roxborough Park), Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, and a half-dozen others.
After gaining the support of an overwhelming 72.5% of Republican delegates at a GOP assembly Saturday, giving her the top-line position on the June 28 primary ballot, Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine called on her Republican opponents in the race for Colorado’s new congressional seat to “reconsider their campaigns” and “unite on Team Lori so we can crush the Democrats in November.”
