Colorado governor primary contenders pledge housing relief for Western Slope

Democratic contenders for Colorado governor, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, emphasized the need to address the state's high‑country housing crisis. Bennet highlighted his work on rural broadband, public‑land protection and a goal to keep Coloradans from spending more than 30 % of income on housing. He supports opening dialogue on taxation of second homes and short‑term rentals. Weiser outlined a plan to add 40,000 affordable units, lower permit fees, expand down‑payment assistance and consider tax options for vacant properties.

Republican governor hopefuls – Scott Bottoms, Barbara Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx – also framed housing affordability as a regulatory issue, urging cuts to red tape, property‑tax reforms and local‑control over development. All three rejected taxes or limits on vacant homes, arguing such measures hurt tourism and property rights.

A separate Democratic attorney‑general contest featured former federal prosecutor Hetal Doshi, Boulder County DA Michael Dougherty and workers‑rights lawyer David Seligman. The candidates criticized Secretary of State Jena Griswold for skipping a debate and pledged to focus on consumer protection, environmental enforcement and workers’ rights. The June 30 primary will also decide races for U.S. Senate, congressional districts and other state offices, with mail‑in ballots due June 22 and in‑person voting on Election Day.

Key issues across the races include rural housing affordability, management of vacant‑home taxes, and broader concerns over public‑land stewardship and state governance.