Campaign Announcements and Blog Posts
Why I'm running for office
Effective Government for Everyone
"Leaders don't spend all day insulting people and blaming others. Leaders DO THE WORK!"
-- Minnesota Governor and VP Candidate Tim Walz, Aug. 22, 2024.
I'm running to represent House District 22 because I believe my district needs a leader who serves all of us, not just the MAGA Right. Unfortunately, that's not what we have in our current HD-22 representative, Ken DeGraaf.
Ken DeGraaf is failing us. He's not digging in and doing the hard work of thoughtfully considering legislation, making alliances, and then working to pass legislation that helps everyone in our district. Instead, he's treating his elected position as a platform for the MAGA agenda in support of Donald Trump's attempts to bully Colorado into giving up what's important to us.
Just take a look at the endless, rambling speeches he's made on the House floor, or his X (Twitter) feed. You'll see he's not concerned with the issues of working families in Colorado Springs. He's just insulting people, blaming others, and pushing conspiracy theories. We deserve better.
I've lived in this district since 2005. My wife and I raised our children here; they attended Jenkins Middle School and Doherty High School. I know our district is full of hard-working individuals with families to support and mortgages or rent to pay. We want government that works for us; fixing the roads, keeping us safe from crime and educating our children to be productive citizens who care.
As your state Representative, I'll get CDOT to fix Powers Boulevard. I'll bring Colorado's union organizing laws into the 21st Century and, I'll give YOU an opportunity to simplify and even eliminate regulations that make living in Colorado more difficult and expensive.
-- Michael Pierson, Lt. Col., USAF (ret)
Candidate, Colorado HD-22
"Democracy isn’t just a bunch of abstract principles and dusty laws in some book somewhere. It’s the values we live by. It’s the way we treat each other, including those who don’t look like us or pray like us or see the world exactly like we do." -- President Barack Obama, Aug. 20, 2024.
My Stances on the Issues that Matter
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Regulation: Colorado does best when innovation and free markets are allowed to thrive. Most of our businesses act responsibly, strengthen our communities, and reflect the best of our state. But when trust is broken, the consequences can be devastating. The case of Return to Nature Funeral Homes is a painful
Regulation: Colorado does best when innovation and free markets are allowed to thrive. Most of our businesses act responsibly, strengthen our communities, and reflect the best of our state. But when trust is broken, the consequences can be devastating. The case of Return to Nature Funeral Homes is a painful example of why government must sometimes step in. Oversight is not about burdening business—it’s about protecting families, workers, and Colorado’s reputation. We owe it to one another to make sure every part of our economy operates safely, honestly, and with respect for the public good.
Fairness: Our state is rich in talent and resources, and we should put those strengths to work for everyone. With smart planning and shared responsibility, we can ensure excellent schools, affordable healthcare, safe communities, good roads, and a clean environment. That requires all of us—individuals, small businesses, and large corporations alike—to contribute fairly. When multi-billion-dollar corporations don’t pay their share, the burden shifts to working families. Colorado’s future depends on growth that benefits us all, not just a few.
Education
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
I'm endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers -- Colorado and the Colorado Education Association!
Educators and Public Schools
As a parent of two Colorado high school and college graduates, I’ve seen firsthand how much our educators shape the future of our state. Teachers are building the next generation of Coloradans, and we owe
I'm endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers -- Colorado and the Colorado Education Association!
Educators and Public Schools
As a parent of two Colorado high school and college graduates, I’ve seen firsthand how much our educators shape the future of our state. Teachers are building the next generation of Coloradans, and we owe them the respect, resources, and fair pay their work deserves. Teaching is demanding and deeply important, and we must do all we can to keep teachers safe, supported, and in the classroom. Strong public schools are the foundation of both a healthy democracy and a thriving economy. Every child deserves a well-rounded education—science, math, history, civics, art—delivered in a safe, supportive environment where they can learn at their own pace and prepare to be productive, engaged citizens.
Choice and Higher Education
Families should have the freedom to choose the type of education that best fits their children, whether that’s public, private, parochial, charter, or homeschooling. Parents also deserve a voice in shaping curriculum. But a strong, well-funded public school system remains essential to our democracy because it ensures a consistent, high-quality education for every child, not just for those who can afford it. At the state level, we must also continue to strengthen Colorado’s community colleges, trade schools, and universities—pathways that provide opportunity, build skills, and keep our economy strong.
Energy, Environment, and Climate
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Energy, Environment, and Climate
Protecting Colorado’s Beauty
I chose to stay in Colorado after my Air Force service because I couldn’t imagine living anywhere more beautiful. Like so many others, I find peace in our mountains—hiking, fishing, biking, and skiing in the place we proudly call “Colorful Colorado.” Protecting this environment isn’t just about scenery; it’s
Protecting Colorado’s Beauty
I chose to stay in Colorado after my Air Force service because I couldn’t imagine living anywhere more beautiful. Like so many others, I find peace in our mountains—hiking, fishing, biking, and skiing in the place we proudly call “Colorful Colorado.” Protecting this environment isn’t just about scenery; it’s about preserving the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we share. I will work to keep Colorado healthy, clean, and resilient so that every generation can find their own “happy place” here.
Balancing Growth and Sustainability
Colorado can grow its economy while also protecting its environment—but it requires thoughtful choices. That means supporting renewable energy, investing in public transit, and conserving water, while also recognizing the important role that farmers, ranchers, nonprofits, and even traditional industries like oil, gas, and mining play in our state. We’ve already seen how progress is possible: from eliminating leaded gasoline to reducing pollution through better technology. With smart policies, education, and innovation, Colorado can continue leading the way in sustainable growth that keeps our state strong and beautiful.
Healthcare
Healthcare
Healthcare
Supporting Healthcare Workers and Access
My family is part of Colorado’s healthcare community—my wife is a nurse, and my son is a chiropractor. I saw the toll that COVID-19 took on them, and I consider all healthcare workers heroes. They devote their lives to saving ours, standing with us from birth to death. We need to treat them better,
Supporting Healthcare Workers and Access
My family is part of Colorado’s healthcare community—my wife is a nurse, and my son is a chiropractor. I saw the toll that COVID-19 took on them, and I consider all healthcare workers heroes. They devote their lives to saving ours, standing with us from birth to death. We need to treat them better, with fair support and respect, and we need to invest in a system that keeps up with Colorado’s population growth. Everyone should be able to get the care they need, when they need it, at a cost that doesn’t put them in financial ruin. Healthcare companies are important partners in this work, but profit cannot be their first priority—patients must come first.
Healthcare as a Right
I believe healthcare is a human right. No one should suffer or die simply because they can’t afford a doctor, or because government places limits on the care they can access. Women and men alike should have the final say over their own healthcare decisions—it’s a matter of freedom. The role of government is to make sure healthcare is safe, affordable, and accessible, not to stand in the way. Life is precious, and we must build a healthcare system that reflects that truth.
Crime
Healthcare
Healthcare
Smart on Crime, Fair on Justice
Americans want two things from their government when it comes to crime: safe neighborhoods and a justice system that treats people fairly. We can—and must—deliver both.
I support strong, well-trained, and accountable law enforcement. Officers deserve the resources they need to protect us, but also the stan
Smart on Crime, Fair on Justice
Americans want two things from their government when it comes to crime: safe neighborhoods and a justice system that treats people fairly. We can—and must—deliver both.
I support strong, well-trained, and accountable law enforcement. Officers deserve the resources they need to protect us, but also the standards and oversight that build trust with the communities they serve. Calls to “defund the police” are the wrong approach; what we need is better policing, not less policing.
At the same time, our justice system must be smarter. Nonviolent offenders, particularly those struggling with addiction, should have access to treatment and rehabilitation instead of prison sentences that do little to improve safety. For violent criminals, consequences must remain firm.
Gun violence is tearing apart communities. Commonsense steps—like background checks, red flag laws, and closing loopholes—will help keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals, while protecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
We also have to address the root causes of crime. Safer streets come from strong schools, mental health care, addiction treatment, and economic opportunity. Programs that give young people pathways to success are proven crime prevention strategies.
Finally, we must enforce immigration laws fairly and focus on removing serious offenders—not scapegoating immigrant families who strengthen our communities. Public safety depends on trust, not fear.
Labor
Healthcare
Labor
I'm endorsed by the Colorado AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers-Colorado, and the Colorado Education Association
Supporting Workers and Unions
I come from a family of union workers and I’m proud to be a member of the IBEW myself. I saw how unions protected my dad and his friends—negotiating for better pay, benefits, safety standard
I'm endorsed by the Colorado AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers-Colorado, and the Colorado Education Association
Supporting Workers and Unions
I come from a family of union workers and I’m proud to be a member of the IBEW myself. I saw how unions protected my dad and his friends—negotiating for better pay, benefits, safety standards, and healthcare that lasted a lifetime. But Colorado law currently gives billion-dollar corporations an advantage over workers. It allows companies to ignore complaints about pay, safety, and benefits until a union vote succeeds—and even then, corporations can use expensive lawyers and consultants to delay and weaken union efforts. I will champion legislation to simplify the process so workers only need one fair vote to secure the protections they deserve, like in every other state.
Fairness and Responsible Spending
I know my district. We’re working-class families—veterans, service workers, tradespeople, and professionals—raising our kids and running businesses. We don’t live in yachts or on horse farms, yet we often pay the highest taxes while billionaires exploit loopholes to pay far less. That’s not fair, and it needs to change. When I serve in the Colorado Legislature, I’ll scrutinize every dollar of new spending, making sure taxpayer money is used wisely and delivers real value, not political theater.
Senior Issues and Rights
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
Valuing Our Seniors
I’ve seen firsthand how precious time with our older family members can be. My mom passed away from cancer just days after her diagnosis, and my dad spent his final years in the Ohio Veterans Home coping with dementia. These experiences remind me to cherish every moment with our elders, learn from their wisdom, and
Valuing Our Seniors
I’ve seen firsthand how precious time with our older family members can be. My mom passed away from cancer just days after her diagnosis, and my dad spent his final years in the Ohio Veterans Home coping with dementia. These experiences remind me to cherish every moment with our elders, learn from their wisdom, and support them in every way we can.
Support and Protection
As a state, we have a responsibility to ensure that seniors and their caregivers are protected and supported. This can come through government programs, nonprofits, or charities. The state should set rules that guard against abuse and discrimination, so our seniors can live with dignity, remain active, and contribute their knowledge to the next generation. We should also find ways to honor our elders and involve them in mentoring, teaching, and sharing the wisdom they’ve gained over a lifetime.
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
I'm endorsed by VoteVets, a national organization supporting Veterans and their families.
A Life of Service
My professional life has been dedicated to service, and I bring that same commitment to representing the people of Colorado’s House District 22. I served 20 years as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force, deploying to Cent
I'm endorsed by VoteVets, a national organization supporting Veterans and their families.
A Life of Service
My professional life has been dedicated to service, and I bring that same commitment to representing the people of Colorado’s House District 22. I served 20 years as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force, deploying to Central America, the Middle East, and Africa. I participated in operations on the ground and in the air, witnessing both the strength of America’s military and the competence and compassion of our servicemembers—truly the finest in the world. After retiring from active duty, I spent 12 more years as a government civilian helping to stand up U.S. Space Command and Space Force, ensuring open communication between the military and the public and working with civic and political leaders to solve problems collaboratively.
Supporting Our Military Community
Colorado is home to four major military installations staffed by thousands of military and civilian personnel. We must do more to support these neighbors, helping military families access affordable housing, healthcare, and education as they move in and out of the state. We also need to protect National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from losing their jobs or homes when called to duty, and work closely with installation commanders to provide the infrastructure they need—power, roads, water, and more—to support national security missions. The same support should extend to homeland security and other federal agencies that keep us safe. Strong communities, strong bases, and strong partnerships ensure that Colorado continues to honor and empower its military families.
Immigration
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
Immigration
Immigration and Border Enforcement
The U.S. immigration system is overwhelmed and underfunded, and we need solutions that are practical, fair, and effective. Securing our borders doesn’t mean mass roundups by heavily armed federal agents—it means enforcing immigration laws at all levels. I support local, county, and state law enforcemen
Immigration and Border Enforcement
The U.S. immigration system is overwhelmed and underfunded, and we need solutions that are practical, fair, and effective. Securing our borders doesn’t mean mass roundups by heavily armed federal agents—it means enforcing immigration laws at all levels. I support local, county, and state law enforcement working with federal officials to hold accountable those who are in the country illegally, including individuals who overstay visas. Law enforcement should collaborate to keep communities safe, and when local governments are stretched too thin, grant programs can provide the support needed.
State Authority and Rights
At the same time, Colorado law enforcement should not be responsible for enforcing laws from other states, especially laws that limit a woman’s access to healthcare. Protecting individual rights and maintaining state sovereignty are essential to ensuring that our communities remain safe, fair, and free.
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