Candidates Showcase Differences in GOP Gubernatorial Forum in Greeley

January 13, 2026

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Last weekend, seven Republican gubernatorial candidates were invited to a forum in Greeley, CO. Three attended: Representative Scott Bottoms, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, and State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer.

Notably absent were Victor Marx, the fundraising front-runner, and Greg Lopez, who recently changed his affiliation to run as an unaffiliated/independent candidate, bypassing the GOP primary where polling showed limited support.

The discussion was largely respectful and substantive, though points of disagreement highlighted contrasts in style and priorities. Here are the highlights, and where they line up on the issues important to America First.

Scott Bottoms

Representative Bottoms delivered a fiery, unapologetic performance, emphasizing uncompromising conservative leadership and drawing comparisons to former President Trump.

Tina Peters: Bottoms is the only candidate among more than twenty Republicans to unequivocally pledge an unconditional pardon for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, citing the trial’s suppression of critical exculpatory evidence. Bottoms appears to be the only candidate who has followed the case, and he frames the pardon question as an example of political and judicial overreach.
Policy Positions: Bottoms criticized the Polis administration for corruption, waste, and budget growth from $29 billion to $45 billion. He proposed immediate cuts of at least $10 billion, redirecting savings to infrastructure, education, and property tax relief, while ending funding for programs tied to illegal immigration and transgender policies. Bottoms opposes gender-affirming care for minors, taxpayer-funded abortion policies, and what he described as ideological “grooming.”
Public Safety: Bottoms referred to Colorado as a sanctuary for cartel activity, pledging National Guard and law enforcement action.

Barb Kirkmeyer

Kirkmeyer presented herself as a pragmatic, results-driven conservative with decades of governing experience. She highlighted her record in Weld County, service under former Gov. Bill Owens, and bipartisan legislative achievements.

Tina Peters: Kirkmeyer declined to promise clemency, emphasizing due process and the rule of law. She said she would review any formal clemency request based on facts and legal standards, without pre-emptive commitments.
Policy Positions: Kirkmeyer proposed her “Drive Colorado” plan to increase road funding by $6 billion over four years without raising taxes, reallocating unused funds, reducing overhead, and reforming budgeting. She pledged to cut regulatory burdens, streamline permitting, and pursue energy and housing reforms. Her campaign focuses on unaffiliated voters and suburban families, emphasizing affordability, safety, education, and effective governance over rhetoric or spending.
Public Safety: Kirkmeyer committed to working with ICE where legally possible and challenging conflicting state immigration laws.

Jason Mikesell

Sheriff Mikesell emphasized practical leadership and public safety experience, with over two decades in law enforcement, including SWAT, emergency response, and immigration enforcement.

Tina Peters: Mikesell strongly supports immediate clemency, framing her conviction as politically motivated “lawfare” and disproportionate compared to other criminal cases.
Policy Positions: Mikesell criticized policies that release offenders back into communities and proposed expanding state hospital capacity, long-term treatment facilities, and reforming competency and release procedures. On roads, he called for stricter timelines, penalties, and self-funding. He emphasized deregulation, energy industry revival, and reducing government waste, while also addressing rural priorities like water retention and forest management.
Public Safety: Mikesell pledged full cooperation with ICE, removal of criminal illegal immigrants, and ending sanctuary policies.

Watch the Greeley forum here: