State Sen. Jessie Danielson, a Wheat Ridge Democrat, formally announced her 2026 bid for Colorado secretary of state Tuesday.
The two-term senator sponsored several pieces of voter-rights legislation at the state Capitol and previously was the state director of America Votes in Colorado and Minnesota. Danielson, who grew up on her family farm in Weld County, also previously worked as the NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado political director.
“I’m running for secretary of state to defend a democracy under threat and stand up for the patriotic election workers who make sure voting remains free and fair,” Danielson said in a statement announcing her candidacy. “I helped build the system that has made Colorado a national model for secure, fair and accessible elections — and now I’m running to protect it.”
She accused President Donald Trump of working to use the federal government “to seize our ballots, seize election equipment and interfere in mail-in ballot counting for his benefit,” and called on Coloradans to “unite in defense of our way of life.”
Danielson is the second Democrat to announce for secretary of state, joining Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez. Republicans Cory Parella and Ross Taraborelli have also filed for the office.
They all seek to follow Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who is term-limited.
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