Candidate Q&A: Colorado Senate District 16

Boxes of stickers stating “I voted” are seen at the Adams County Government Center in Brighton, Nov. 7, 2023. (Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

All 65 seats in the Colorado House of Representatives are up for election this year. Democrats currently hold a 56-19 supermajority and will likely retain the majority next year.

Before redistricting, Democratic Sen. Chris Kolker represented Senate District 27. He won that seat in 2020 with 55.3% of the vote. He currently represents Senate District 16, which leans just 0.1 percentage points to the left, according to an analysis of recent election results. He faces Republican Robyn Carnes, a Centennial City Council member.

The district is north of Colo. 470 and west of Interstate 25, bordered at the north by Belleview Avenue. It includes parts of Littleton and Centennial.

Registered voters in Colorado should soon receive their ballots in the mail for the Nov. 5 general election, which includes races for president, Congress, the state Legislature, the University of Colorado Board of Regents and other local positions, as well as a handful of statewide ballot measures.

Voters can contact their county clerk if they have not received their ballot or check the online BallotTrax system. They can also visit the secretary of state’s website to make a plan to vote in person ahead of or on Election Day. Ballots need to be received by the county clerk by 7 p.m. on that day, so voters should make a plan to mail their ballot at least eight days ahead of time or drop it off in person.

Voters can find their state legislative districts at the General Assembly’s website.

Carnes did not return survey responses.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities during the 2025 legislative session?

KOLKER: I have heard from my constituents a number of top issues. 1. Property tax increase and affordable housing. We have addressed property tax increases for both senior citizens and non-senior citizens with laws to permanently decrease the rate of assessment and allow portability for the homestead exemption for seniors. 2. Truly fund public education so that our schools are fully staffed with the best staff. We have started by ending the budget stabilization factor and the IOU that has been written for over a dozen years. Our next step is to fund based on the true cost of educating each children no matter where they live in this state. 3. Increase affordable housing. Affordable housing comes with an increase in inventory and increase in wages for all. We have instituted policies that incentivize multiple styles of construction, loan programs for middle income housing, and increasing wages and lowering costs on families with children through earned income tax credits and paid preschool.

What unique perspective and life experiences would you bring to the General Assembly?

KOLKER: I am an effective legislator collaborating across the aisle and getting policy passed that uplifts my district. I’ve passed property tax relief for seniors, legislation to end the B.S. factor to fund our public schools, and increased access to mental health care through my work on the behavior health care task force. My financial planning and business experience gives me insight into the economic challenges faced by families and small businesses, enriching my understanding of fiscal responsibility and economic policy. This is crucial in my approach to state budgeting, advocating for transparency and accountability to ensure taxpayer money is used effectively.

Coloradans told us through the Voter Voices survey that rising cost of living is a top issue for them this election year. How do you feel the Legislature can most effectively address the cost-of-living for Coloradans across all backgrounds?

KOLKER: Rising household expenses require families to earn and keep more. I’ve worked to support them by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, providing tax relief for lower-income renters, and offering free preschool for parents. We’ve reduced healthcare costs with the Colorado Option and the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board. Additionally, bipartisan legislation has permanently lowered property tax assessments, bringing long-term relief for homeowners, renters, and businesses. These efforts aim to lower costs, making life more affordable for working families across Colorado, and I will continue to champion these policies that increase wages and lift people up out of poverty.

Democrats are expected to hold onto a wide majority next year. What does good governance look like in that political environment?

KOLKER: I have been sought out by my colleagues across the aisle to run legislation with them because of my ability to find solutions and common ground. A majority of the bills that I’ve supported have been bipartisan. I ran to be the adult in the room and I’m elected to represent everyone. That means having difficult conversations respectfully in order to get to the root of the issues, learn the facts and make informed choices.

Residents across the state are concerned with air quality, from wildfire effects in the northwest to pollution along the Front Range. How can the Legislature work to ensure clean air for all Coloradans?

KOLKER: I have and will continue to support increases in renewable energy production that ultimately reduces the effects of climate change, poor air quality, and protects clean water. The Legislature has passed a number of bills that protect disproportionately impacted communities from continued oil and gas drilling. The Energy and Carbon Management Commission is currently doing rulemaking to implement those laws and the Legislature must ensure the legislative intent is kept. While oil and gas production will continue to have a place in providing for our national defense, we must acknowledge that our number one carbon emitter is in the transportation sector. So, a move to more environmentally sustainable energy for communities and local commercial activities will reduce our levels of air pollution that currently exceed public health standards.