From Pagosa Springs to Pueblo, from the Western Slope to the San Luis Valley, I hear the same thing again and again: people are tired of the political drama. I’ve spent a lot of time traveling across Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District over the past 10 months. What it’s told me is that voters want someone who understands their lives and will fight for them in Washington.
Right now, the race for CO-3 is being shaped less by the needs of our communities and more by a divided Republican Party and political theatrics.
President Donald Trump recently pulled his endorsement from Rep. Jeff Hurd and instead backed a GOP primary challenger, exposing a deep divide within the GOP. When a sitting member of Congress loses the support of his party’s most influential figure, something is clearly unsettled.
At the same time, polling shows that Trump’s standing in Colorado is weak, even in a district he carried by 10% in 2024. Statewide surveys consistently show his favorability ratings underwater, with a majority of voters, 53%, viewing him unfavorably.
Meanwhile, my Democratic opponent, Dwayne Romero, added to the political drama by entering the race with just hours to spare before the deadline. Voters deserve candidates who are fully committed to serving this district and have demonstrated that commitment from the beginning.
There’s been one constant in this race so far: me.
But rather than letting party politics dominate the narrative of CO-3, we have to start talking about the voters and how to shape policies that impact them.
CO-3 consists of ranchers, teachers, energy workers, small business owners, veterans, young families trying to buy their first homes, and others. Voters here are most concerned about the cost of groceries, the price of gas, access to health care, water rights, and whether their kids will have opportunities close to home.
I’m running for Congress because I believe this district is ready for steady and strong leadership focused on policies that help the people of CO-3. This campaign is about protecting our public lands while supporting responsible energy jobs, making sure rural hospitals stay open, standing up for farmers and ranchers who are squeezed by rising costs and unpredictable markets, and most importantly, listening to the voters.
We can acknowledge that our district has supported Republican candidates in the past while also recognizing that the political landscape is shifting. This election season, voters are evaluating who can actually deliver results for their families and communities.
The recent turmoil in the GOP primary makes one thing clear: party insiders and national figures are focused on their own battles. Plus the abrupt entrance of my Democratic opponent shows a lack of steadiness and dedication that is essential to serving the district well.
Meanwhile, my focus remains exactly where it has been for nearly a year: the people of CO-3. In Congress, I will work to protect rural hospitals and access to healthcare, expand affordable housing for young families, and support responsible energy development that protects both jobs and Colorado’s public lands.
If we stay united around shared priorities instead of party labels, we can elect leadership that reflects who we really are.
Colorado’s 3rd District deserves a representative who will show up, listen carefully, and fight every day for the people who call this place home. I’m ready to do that work.
Alex Kelloff is a Democratic candidate for Colorado’s 3rd House District.