As Colorado voters prepare for the upcoming election cycle, the race for the state's next secretary of state has drawn intense focus amid shifting political dynamics. A split between Democrats and Republicans defined the state’s prior four secretaries of state, though the position has grown increasingly partisan following a surge in election conspiracy theories since 2020. President Donald Trump and former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters both pressured outgoing Secretary of State Jena Griswold — who is now a candidate for attorney general — after pushing unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud.
This comprehensive voter guide for Colorado’s Secretary of State election examines the candidates vying for the office and the key issues defining the race. Beyond overseeing elections, the secretary of state manages vital administrative functions, including business license filings. However, the growth in concerns about election security focused greater scrutiny on Colorado’s secretary of state, transforming a typically administrative post into a high-stakes political battleground.
Sharp disagreements concerning mail-in voting — which is utilized by the vast majority of Coloradans — and the procedures used to tally those votes stem directly from the ongoing debate over election integrity. Democrat Amanda Gonzalez and Republican James Wiley are the major party candidates vying to replace Griswold, who is term-limited. Divergent viewpoints on the trustworthiness of Colorado elections and the effectiveness of mail-in ballots fall neatly along party lines, with Gonzalez supporting the preservation of existing state systems while Wiley pushes for major reforms that would restrict mail-in voting and abolish machine tabulation.
Meet the Candidates on the Ballot
Voters heading to the polls or filling out mail-in ballots will choose from a diverse slate of contenders representing major and minor political parties. The candidate field features distinct philosophies on how the state’s electoral machinery should be run moving forward.
Gonzalez, the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, handily won her primary race to be the Democratic nominee, campaigning on a platform of protecting current voting infrastructure. On the other side of the aisle, Wiley, the former executive director of the Colorado Libertarian Party, ran unopposed in June, positioning himself as a candidate for sweeping electoral reform.
Joining the major party nominees on the statewide ballot are three third-party and unaffiliated candidates who are also vying for the position:
- Amanda Gonzalez, Democratic Party
- James Wiley, Republican Party
- Sean Vadney, Libertarian Party
- Amanda Campbell, American Constitution Party
- Celeste Landry, Forward Party
Key Policy Divides and Election Security
The starkest contrast between the leading campaigns centers on trust in voting methods. While Gonzalez champions the existing vote-by-mail system and state security protocols, Wiley calls for structural changes that would roll back reliance on mail-in voting and eliminate machine tabulations in favor of alternative counting methods.
These policy arguments resonate deeply with voters in a post-2020 environment where administrative procedures are closely scrutinized. As candidates make their final pitches across the state, the outcome will determine whether Colorado maintains its current election framework or embarks on a significant overhaul.
As campaigns enter their final phases, voters should review their registration status, track their mail-in ballots, and research all certified candidates ahead of Election Day. Share your thoughts on the upcoming election in the comments below, and pass this guide along to fellow voters to keep the community informed.
