Former Colorado Senate President Kevin Grantham announced his candidacy for state treasurer on October 3, 2023, marking him as the first Republican to enter the race. Grantham, who hails from Cañon City, previously served as the last Republican leader of the Colorado Senate before being term-limited in 2019. Following his tenure, he successfully ran for the Fremont County Board of Commissioners in 2020, a position he has held since.
In his announcement, Grantham emphasized his background, stating, “I was raised in a rural farming community in Southeast Colorado raising hogs — so I know a little something about how to cut the fat.” He expressed a commitment to responsible fiscal management, asserting that “Coloradans deserve leaders that will be careful stewards of their hard-earned tax dollars.” Grantham stressed the importance of creating a state where families can afford to live without financial strain.
Grantham has outlined key issues he plans to address, including what he describes as “reckless spending” by the Democratic majority in Colorado. He aims to enhance the efficiency of taxpayer services, particularly in accelerating the return of unclaimed property, a responsibility managed by the state treasurer’s office. This role is critical as it involves overseeing the state’s financial resources.
Currently, the position is held by Dave Young, a Democrat who has served since 2019. Young is term-limited and will not seek reelection. Grantham will face competition from fellow Republicans and Democrats in the upcoming election cycle. Democratic state Senator Jeff Bridges from Greenwood Village and state Representative Brianna Titone from Arvada have both declared their intentions to run. They will compete against fellow Democrats Jerry DiTullio and John Mikos in the primary next summer.
The next state treasurer will be elected by voters in the general election scheduled for November 2026. Grantham’s entry into the race adds another layer of competition, with implications for the future direction of Colorado’s fiscal policy as the state navigates its economic landscape.
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