What priorities and vision do you have for the office of U.S. Representative, and how would your personal and professional experience contribute to that?

I was born and raised in Southern Colorado. Colorado Springs is my home, where my wife of 35 years Lisa and I raised our children. I have worked alongside local businesses, veterans and congregations for more than 30 years, and I know firsthand the challenges facing El Paso County families. That’s why I will continue to work in Congress to lower housing costs, lower taxes and fight for the values that make El Paso County stand out above the rest in Colorado.

Colorado's Sunshine Law and Taxpayer Bill of Rights are examples of accountability measures that Colorado's electorate voted into law. What are your beliefs on ethics in government, and how would you seek to improve accountability and transparency as they relate to the office of U.S. Representative?

I strongly believe elected officials should be held to the highest ethical standards. That’s why I am leading legislation to strengthen the House of Representatives’ ethics rules by prohibiting members of Congress from engaging in sexual relationships with any House Employees. While the current ethical code of conduct only prohibits members from having relationships with staff directly under their supervision, this prohibition should be expanded because there is an imbalance of power between members of Congress and staff. We have seen an abuse of that power from both sides of the aisle, and Congress needs to clean up its act. My legislation would do that by establishing additional guardrails to protect congressional staff.

What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents' rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?

The First Amendment was included first for a reason, as the drafters of the Bill of Rights knew that freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment are key to free and fair society. As a member of Congress, I swore an oath to the Constitution, and I will always keep it.

In light of recent Colorado legislation and US Supreme Court's rulings regarding our nation's historical tradition of firearms regulation, what steps would you take to protect the rights of the people while addressing gun violence?

The Second Amendment freedoms and right to self-defense for law-abiding Coloradans are under assault by the state legislature. I will always stand up for our Second Amendment rights, and that starts with pushing back against state legislatures that pass unconstitutional laws. For example, I am a proud cosponsor of the Second Amendment Guarantee Act, which would block states from regulating rifles and shotguns beyond federal law and would block Colorado’s unconstitutional SB-3 law.

There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?

The rise of anti-American and antisemitic sentiment is fueled by extremist ideologies that have been allowed to fester unchecked, including the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has co-opted much of the Democratic Party. This session, I introduced a House resolution condemning socialism in all its forms and the DSA's un-American agenda, including its support for letting noncitizens and incarcerated criminals vote. This passed the House, with only a handful of Democrats supporting it. 10-15 years ago, a resolution like this would have passed unanimously. This is a warning sign that the American values we once took for granted are slipping away, and it's our responsibility to reverse that trend, by electing pro-America leaders.

If elected, what initiatives would you champion to improve Colorado's economy, including policies on water, energy, and other resources, and how would you make your office more fiscally responsible?

Our state’s economy is being held back by Democrats in the state government. Excessive regulations make it needlessly difficult to start or grow a business here, and mandates forcing reliance on “green” energy sources that aren't yet reliable or affordable are driving up costs for both families and employers. I introduced the FRAMER Act to push back on this, incentivizing states to roll back energy code mandates that needlessly inflate the cost of building a home. I also voted for the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which prevented a scheduled tax increase that would have cost the average El Paso County family roughly $4,000 a year. On resources broadly, we need policies that prioritize reliability and affordability over ideology.

If elected, how would you help improve the educational outcomes for Colorado's students, and what is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice and parental notification?

Improving outcomes starts with getting resources directly to the classroom, ensuring our educators have adequate staffing and support, and cutting the federal bureaucracy that too often gets in the way of local schools doing their jobs. But my priority is defending parental rights. Parents, not the government, are the primary authority over their children's education and upbringing. I support school choice so families aren't trapped in a system that isn't working for their child, and I support parental notification policies so parents are never kept in the dark about what's happening in their child's life at school. K-12 education should focus on teaching basic skills like reading, writing, and math, not pushing ideological indoctrination on our kids.

If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?

I am unapologetically pro-life and proud to have received an “A+” rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. I also believe the law in Colorado goes too far in allowing abortion up until the moment of birth, with virtually no protections for the unborn. I continue to be an advocate for finding a durable, long-term legislative solution to Social Security solvency, so our seniors can count on the benefits they earned. On mental illness, we need real investment in accessible treatment and crisis response, not empty promises, so those struggling get help instead of falling through the cracks.

What are your priorities for addressing crime in Colorado, including issues such as cybercrime and the slavery of human trafficking, and how do you view the role of state policy in addressing immigration-related challenges and coordination with federal authorities? Also, what is your opinion regarding sanctuary city (or county) policies?

Public safety starts with actually punishing criminals, and Colorado's soft-on-crime policies have made our communities less safe, whether the crime is violent, cyber, or human trafficking. On immigration, enforcement is fundamentally a federal responsibility, and states, counties, and cities have no business obstructing it. I oppose sanctuary policies that shield criminals from federal authorities rather than cooperating with them, since that approach only endangers the very communities it claims to protect. That's why I support initiatives to require law enforcement to notify federal immigration authorities when charging someone in the country illegally with a violent crime or prior felony.

Do you believe that elections should be conducted differently in order to ensure integrity and confidence? Should people be required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, and/or be required to show a Government-issued ID to cast their vote?

Yes, yes, and yes. In Colorado, an individual can register to vote in federal elections without ever supplying government-issued identification to prove their identity, let alone their citizenship, and our state mails ballots to every registered voter regardless of whether their eligibility has ever been verified. This is a broken system ripe for abuse. That's why I voted for the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register for federal elections and gives states the tools to clean up their voter rolls and remove noncitizens. American elections should be decided by American citizens, and Coloradans deserve confidence that every ballot cast is a legal one

Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America's constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?

Absolutely not. The establishment clause of the first amendment is very clear- "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." I swore an oath to uphold and defend the constitution, and I take that responsibility seriously. There is no place in our government for those who seek to impose any kind of religious law above the rights and liberties guaranteed to every American. The same is true of socialism and communism, which subordinate the individual to the state and have a documented history of crushing the very freedoms our Constitution was written to protect. Our system of limited, representative government only works when we defend it against every ideology that seeks to replace it with something less free.

What priorities and vision do you have for the office of U.S. Representative, and how would your personal and professional experience contribute to that?

Growing up in Colorado Springs instilled in me the values of patriotism and service. I served in the Army overseas as a Military Police Officer, then spent a decade supporting veterans and service members at USAA. Our government needs more servant leaders committed to delivering results.

The cost of living is the number one problem facing families, and this Congress has made it worse. I will fight to repeal unfair tariffs, lower health care costs, and stop data centers from raising utility bills and draining our water.

It's time to restore integrity to Washington. I'll work to ban members of Congress from trading public stocks, stop them from becoming lobbyists, get dark money out of politics, and support term limits.

Colorado's Sunshine Law and Taxpayer Bill of Rights are examples of accountability measures that Colorado's electorate voted into law. What are your beliefs on ethics in government, and how would you seek to improve accountability and transparency as they relate to the office of U.S. Representative?

Elected officials should work for the people, not for profit. My career is one of service, and I believe that public servants should focus on service to the country.

I support banning public stock trading by members of Congress and senior officials in the executive and judicial branches, preventing them from becoming lobbyists, overturning Citizens United to get dark money out of politics, and supporting term limits.

Too many politicians refuse to host town halls and engage with their constituents. I'll always show up, listen to the community, and fight for them. I will hold regular in-person town halls to hear directly from constituents.

What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents' rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?

I strongly believe in the First Amendment and the freedoms it protects. The Establishment Clause is an essential part of our constitutional system because it prevents the government from establishing or favoring a particular religion. At the same time, the First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion, meaning Americans have the right to practice their faith without government interference.

If elected, I will defend my constituents’ First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning their government. Those freedoms are fundamental to our democracy, and I will work to ensure that every Coloradan has the ability to make their voice heard, practice their faith, participate in their community, and hold their government accountable.

In light of recent Colorado legislation and US Supreme Court's rulings regarding our nation's historical tradition of firearms regulation, what steps would you take to protect the rights of the people while addressing gun violence?

As a veteran, I have shot everything from a 9 mm Beretta to a .50 cal and know how dangerous weapons of war can be.

I support the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership.

I’m also a mom of three kids, and it's important to bring people together to find solutions that reduce violence and keep our neighborhoods and schools safe. I believe we can find common-sense gun safety measures that protect communities and our kids while respecting the 2nd Amendment and responsible gun ownership.

There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?

The rise of antisemitism after the October 7th attacks has been devastating to witness. America should be a place free of antisemitic threats and safe for Jewish people. I worked to address antisemitism after the 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks. We successfully pushed for the landmark expansion of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to clarify that its protections against discrimination based on shared ancestry explicitly include antisemitic activities, particularly on our college campuses.

I will stand against all forms of antisemitism as a member of Congress. Jewish people should never need to fear for their safety because of their religious beliefs.

If elected, what initiatives would you champion to improve Colorado's economy, including policies on water, energy, and other resources, and how would you make your office more fiscally responsible?

When I grew up in Colorado Springs, my parents, public school teachers, could afford a middle-class life. Today, that same life is out of reach for too many. I will work to end unnecessary wars and reckless tariffs that are raising prices, fight for better housing options, require data centers to pay for their energy so regular families aren’t left footing the bill, and work to lower the costs of prescription drugs. And I’ll fight to protect Social Security and Medicare, so seniors receive the benefits they’ve earned.

I’ll fight to restore fiscal sanity, balance the budget, and pay down the national debt so that we don’t leave future generations permanently indebted to China and the rest of the world.

If elected, how would you help improve the educational outcomes for Colorado's students, and what is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice and parental notification?

Every Colorado child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their zip code. I proudly attended Colorado public schools and graduated from Falcon High School here in Colorado Springs. My mom was a public school teacher, and my dad was a principal. Ensuring public schools are funded and providing a quality education will always be a top priority. Parents should always be closely involved in our schools and informed about their kids.

If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?

A healthy society takes care of its most vulnerable. I’ll fight to protect Social Security and Medicare, so seniors receive the benefits they’ve earned. I will always stand up for victims of trafficking and abuse, and I support releasing the Epstein files, bringing justice for victims, and holding perpetrators accountable. I believe women should have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, and that should be between a woman, her family, and her doctor. Economic and social supports for women and families can give them more options.

I will always fight for the healthcare resources that our community needs, including mental health and substance abuse care. I’ll always stand up for our community.

What are your priorities for addressing crime in Colorado, including issues such as cybercrime and the slavery of human trafficking, and how do you view the role of state policy in addressing immigration-related challenges and coordination with federal authorities? Also, what is your opinion regarding sanctuary city (or county) policies?

Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe in their community. As a former Military Police Officer, I have immense respect and regard for law enforcement. We need to be doing everything we can to support them.

To keep communities safe, we must fund law enforcement and first responders and ensure they can recruit, properly train, and retain officers, firefighters, and other responders who put their lives at risk every day. We should also work to prevent crime by addressing substance abuse, poverty, and mental health challenges.

I support border security. We need to know who is crossing our border. But we should be deporting gangsters, not grandmas, and ICE should make our communities safer, not stoke fear.

Do you believe that elections should be conducted differently in order to ensure integrity and confidence? Should people be required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, and/or be required to show a Government-issued ID to cast their vote?

Free, fair, safe, and secure elections are the cornerstone of democracy. Our Republican county clerk has expressed full confidence in the integrity of Colorado elections as they are currently conducted. Colorado has a gold standard vote-by-mail system, and I will fight to protect our election system and democracy.

Trump has retaliated against Colorado because of our vote-by-mail system. He even said it was the cause for moving Space Command. Our voting system should not be political, and I will always stand up to anyone who tries to politicize it and make it unnecessarily difficult for citizens to exercise their right to vote.

Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America's constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?

I will stand against extremes on both sides of the aisle to do what is right for our country. I am proudly a member of “Team Normal” – public service is about delivering meaningful results for your community. I also believe in the Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees every American.

Our government should never be controlled by a single political ideology or driven by culture wars and identity politics. America’s constitutional system protects both the free exercise of religion and freedom from government imposing a particular religion on the public.

I oppose ideologies that undermine private property, individual liberty, or free enterprise, and I will always defend our Constitution, as I took an oath to do in the Army.

What priorities and vision do you have for the office of U.S. Representative, and how would your personal and professional experience contribute to that?

As a longtime resident of Colorado Springs and a registered member of the American Constitution Party, Christopher Mitchell is running for Colorado's 5th Congressional District. Based out of Colorado Springs, he works as an Electrical Engineering Contractor supporting various technical companies in Colorado and New Mexico.

Christopher's hallmark is his involvement as a Community Advocate for the residents of Colorado Springs and in protecting our God-given Rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution, reinforcing American Exceptionalism, affordability in everyday living, and defending American Sovereignty. He is a Patriot, Constitutional Conservative, transformational leader, and rugged individualist ready to represent the residents of Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

Colorado's Sunshine Law and Taxpayer Bill of Rights are examples of accountability measures that Colorado's electorate voted into law. What are your beliefs on ethics in government, and how would you seek to improve accountability and transparency as they relate to the office of U.S. Representative?

Congress has self-regulating mechanisms for ethics, accountability, and transparency, such as the House Committee on Ethics, which provides ethics training to House Members, investigates and adjudicates alleged violations, and reviews financial disclosures. I support and will vote for the One Subject at a Time Act introduced by Senator Rand Paul. It requires legislation to be simplified to "One Bill, One Issue, One Page" to accomplish transparency, accountability, and elimination of omnibus spending bills. The Colorado Sunshine Law (1972, modified 1996) and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights 1992 (TABOR) are similar to Congressional mechanisms in intended purpose and should be maintained.

What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents' rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?

I will work to defend individual rights including Religious Freedom, Freedom of Speech, Private Property Rights, Parents' Rights, and the Right to Bear Arms. In Congress, I will be committed to the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, guided by the Founding Fathers' Original Intent.

In light of recent Colorado legislation and US Supreme Court's rulings regarding our nation's historical tradition of firearms regulation, what steps would you take to protect the rights of the people while addressing gun violence?

The 2nd Amendment states, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Gun ownership is a civil right. Furthermore, we live in a time of Government overreach and tyranny against the Citizens of this Great Republic. I oppose attempts to prohibit ownership of guns by law-abiding, mentally competent citizens and stand against all laws that restrict guns or ammunition.

There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?

The rise of anti-Americanism and antisemitism is a result of Generational Indoctrination and non-assimilation-based immigration policies. Generational Indoctrination is entrenched in Government schools and public universities/colleges (e.g., Critical Race Theory, Gender Ideology, and Neo-Marxist curriculum). Non-assimilation-based immigration promotes cultural disharmony in a nation. Generational Indoctrination can be addressed by leveraging institutional funding mechanisms. Non-assimilation-based immigration can be addressed through enhanced immigration policies and the promotion of National Patriotism. A key component of American Patriotism is our unwavering support for Israel. More than just an ally, Israel is our ironclad partner in promoting Freedom, Strength, and Safety on the world stage.

If elected, what initiatives would you champion to improve Colorado's economy, including policies on water, energy, and other resources, and how would you make your office more fiscally responsible?

Nationally, I will support and vote for America-First policies such as extending the Trump-era tax cuts for individuals, reducing regulations and taxes on small businesses, fiscal responsibility in Government, and achieving U.S. Energy Dominance with Natural Gas Turbine and Micro-Nuclear Technology development at the forefront. In Congressional District 5, I will champion working with commissioners and mayors to attract, retain, and expand a wide variety of technical and non-technical business organizations to the region, in addition to the defense and service industries already present. Nationally and locally, I am committed to terminating failed and unsubstantiated climate mandates and regulations on small businesses, industry, and utilities.

If elected, how would you help improve the educational outcomes for Colorado's students, and what is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice and parental notification?

I will support and advance legislation, such as the Parents Bill of Rights Act, to ensure Parental Rights are honored and protected in Government schools. I will work to decentralize Government education and promote more effective school choice options. Since children are the most vulnerable members of society, I will work in Congress to protect them from abusive modalities in educational settings, including Gender Ideology, Critical Race Theory, grooming, and sexually inappropriate learning materials.

If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?

I believe in the God-given legal personhood of human beings, from fertilization to natural death, without exception. The first duty is to protect innocent life created in the image of God. I am against abortion in any form, for any reason. Since children are the most vulnerable members of society, I will work in Congress to protect them from abusive modalities in educational settings, including Gender Ideology, Critical Race Theory, grooming, and sexually inappropriate learning materials. I oppose all Government legalization of euthanasia, infanticide, and suicide. In summary, I realistically champion the cause to preserve human life at every opportunity within a Constitutional and lawful framework.

What are your priorities for addressing crime in Colorado, including issues such as cybercrime and the slavery of human trafficking, and how do you view the role of state policy in addressing immigration-related challenges and coordination with federal authorities? Also, what is your opinion regarding sanctuary city (or county) policies?

Colorado ranks third-highest in aggregate crime nationwide, driven by high rates of both property and violent offenses. At the same time, Colorado Springs, in El Paso County, remains highly competitive within the state as one of the best places to live in the United States. To advance our standing and quality of life in El Paso County, I will work to maintain our Non-Sanctuary County status and push back on the crime encroaching on El Paso County from the high-crime Denver Metro Districts. Likewise, I will support and vote for legislation to empower law enforcement officers in all jurisdictions, County, and Municipal, including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), to effectively do their job without hindrance.

Do you believe that elections should be conducted differently in order to ensure integrity and confidence? Should people be required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, and/or be required to show a Government-issued ID to cast their vote?

Election Integrity is one component of Our National Sovereignty. Election Integrity means transparency, fairness, and validity of the end-to-end election process. Transparency means that all processes are clearly defined and open to examination (e.g., voting systems, electoral rolls). Fairness implies that all socioeconomic groups of legal citizens registered to vote have equal access to the voting process. Validity means that all processes follow Federal, State, and Local election laws that ideally should be standardized to emphasize in-person voting with a requirement for photo identification. To that end, I support legislation such as the SAVE Act, requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America's constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?

Socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law (e.g., Islamic Sharia law) are completely incompatible with America's Constitutional Representative Democracy and must be identified and erased from our society. These oppressive and authoritarian modalities concentrate absolute power in a single leader or a small ruling elite, deny citizens basic civil liberties and political rights granted by the Constitution, and replace God-given Rights with humanistic futility. The Declaration of Independence explicitly says that all people are created equal and are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights," including Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

What priorities and vision do you have for the office of U.S. Representative, and how would your personal and professional experience contribute to that?

I believe government should be limited to the powers granted to it by the Constitution. My vision is a smaller, more accountable federal government that protects individual liberty, respects freedom of conscience, and avoids unnecessary involvement in people’s private lives. I support a clear separation of church and state and believe government should neither promote nor restrict religious belief. My professional experience as a small-business owner has taught me the importance of living within your means, being accountable for decisions, and avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.

Colorado's Sunshine Law and Taxpayer Bill of Rights are examples of accountability measures that Colorado's electorate voted into law. What are your beliefs on ethics in government, and how would you seek to improve accountability and transparency as they relate to the office of U.S. Representative?

Government must be held to the same standards of honesty and accountability that we expect from the people who fund it. As a U.S. Representative, I would support greater transparency in federal spending, contracts, and legislation, including making taxpayer dollars easier for the public to track. I would oppose conflicts of interest, special treatment, and the use of public office for personal or political gain. I also believe accountability starts with elected officials being honest about what they vote for and why. Most importantly, I would work to reduce the size and power of government. The less power government has over our lives and the less money it controls, the fewer opportunities there are for corruption and abuse.

What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents' rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?

I strongly support the Establishment Clause and believe religious freedom means freedom of religion, freedom to choose one's religion, or freedom to practice no religion at all. Government should neither establish nor favor a particular religion, nor interfere with an individual's peaceful religious beliefs or practices. As a U.S. Representative, I would defend the First Amendment rights of all Americans, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. I also strongly support freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the right of citizens to petition their government. These freedoms belong to every American, not just those who share my beliefs.

In light of recent Colorado legislation and US Supreme Court's rulings regarding our nation's historical tradition of firearms regulation, what steps would you take to protect the rights of the people while addressing gun violence?

I strongly support the Second Amendment and the individual right of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms. At the same time, gun violence is a serious problem that deserves serious solutions. I believe we should focus on enforcing existing laws, holding violent criminals accountable, improving our mental health and community-based violence prevention efforts, and addressing the underlying causes of violence. I would oppose laws that broadly restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens while doing little to stop criminals who already ignore the law. We can protect the Second Amendment while working to make our communities safer. Protecting constitutional rights and reducing violence are not mutually exclusive goals.

There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?

I oppose antisemitism, anti-American hatred, and all forms of violence or intimidation. I believe every person has the right to practice their religion freely and live without fear, including Jewish Americans. At the same time, protecting those rights requires protecting the First Amendment, including freedom of speech and the right to criticize governments and foreign policy. I do not believe criticism of the Israeli government or opposition to financial support for Israel should be confused with hatred of Jewish people or Judaism. I believe the United States should judge foreign alliances based on American interests and constitutional principles, not religious identity. We should confront actual threats, violence, and discrimination while protecting everyone's right to speak, worship, disagree, and peacefully protest.

If elected, what initiatives would you champion to improve Colorado's economy, including policies on water, energy, and other resources, and how would you make your office more fiscally responsible?

I would champion broad-based tax cuts for families and businesses, allowing people to keep more of what they earn and giving businesses more incentive to invest, grow, and create jobs. I believe Colorado's economy is strongest when government gets out of the way and individuals and businesses are free to innovate and compete. I would support responsible development of Colorado's energy and natural resources, while protecting property rights and encouraging efficient use of our water resources. I would also work to reduce unnecessary regulations and federal spending. In my office, I would lead by example by keeping staffing and administrative costs lean, eliminating unnecessary expenses, and treating every taxpayer dollar as money that belongs to the people, not the government.

If elected, how would you help improve the educational outcomes for Colorado's students, and what is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice and parental notification?

I believe education is best when parents and students have meaningful choices rather than having government dictate a one-size-fits-all system. I support private schools, homeschooling, online and distance learning, and other alternative methods of education. Parents should have the primary authority over their children's education, while schools and teachers should have the freedom to teach without unnecessary government interference. I also believe the cost of education should not continually be placed on taxpayers who may not use the system. Private and alternative education can often provide better results and greater value for the money. Government should get out of the business of deciding what is best for every child and allow families, educators, and communities to make those decisions themselves.

If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?

I believe every person deserves dignity, safety, and the freedom to make deeply personal decisions about their own lives. I support protecting children, seniors, people experiencing abuse or trafficking, and those struggling with mental illness, while ensuring they have access to compassionate support. I am pro-choice and believe decisions about pregnancy should remain with the individual, not the government. I also support voluntary family planning and responsible choices that recognize the limits of our natural resources. At the end of life, I believe people facing terminal illness and unbearable suffering deserve compassion, dignity, and the ability to make informed choices about their care. Government should protect people from violence and exploitation while respecting individual liberty and avoiding unnecessary interference.

What are your priorities for addressing crime in Colorado, including issues such as cybercrime and the slavery of human trafficking, and how do you view the role of state policy in addressing immigration-related challenges and coordination with federal authorities? Also, what is your opinion regarding sanctuary city (or county) policies?

Public safety should focus on protecting people from those who actually commit crimes, not treating ordinary people as criminals. I support enforcement against violent crime, human trafficking, exploitation, and cybercrime, while seeking to reduce unnecessary incarceration and the overuse of our criminal-justice system. I oppose mass surveillance and technologies such as FLOCK that can track innocent people without individualized suspicion. Immigration should be handled with compassion and respect for individual liberty, and I support freedom of movement and reducing unnecessary immigration restrictions. I also support communities being able to set their own policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Government should pursue actual criminals while respecting the constitutional rights and dignity of everyone in our communities.

Do you believe that elections should be conducted differently in order to ensure integrity and confidence? Should people be required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, and/or be required to show a Government-issued ID to cast their vote?

I believe states should have substantial authority to determine how their elections are administered, and Colorado’s current system has worked well for our state. I oppose government-issued voter ID requirements because I do not believe we should create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. Election integrity and accessibility should go hand in hand, with reasonable safeguards against fraud while making voting straightforward for eligible citizens. I also support ranked-choice voting because it gives voters the opportunity to express their preferences more fully and can reduce the pressure to choose between only two candidates. As a federal representative, I would respect the states’ constitutional role in administering elections while supporting policies that expand voter choice, protect election integrity, and make participation accessible.

Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America's constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?

America’s constitutional system is built on individual liberty, limited government, and freedom of conscience. I do not support socialism or communism, nor do I believe religious law should replace the Constitution. At the same time, I strongly support the First Amendment and believe Americans have the right to advocate for ideas I disagree with. Government should not punish people for holding unpopular political or religious beliefs. The best answer to bad ideas is more freedom, open debate, and persuasion, not censorship. We also need to stop treating our neighbors as enemies. Young people explore ideas as they learn, and I would rather see them engage in peaceful debate than be pushed toward division and hatred. Liberty belongs to everyone.