Congressional District 1 · 2026 Republican Candidates

Meet Your CD1 Republican Candidates


Two principled Coloradans are stepping up to serve Denver’s First Congressional District — in Congress and on the State Board of Education. Get to know each candidate and visit their campaigns below.

CD1 Republican candidates Fred Espinoza and Christy Peterson

Fred Espinoza and Christy Peterson, CD1 Republican candidates

Christy Peterson is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, and Fred Espinoza is running for the Colorado State Board of Education. Both bring real-world experience, conservative values, and a commitment to the families of District 1.

Primary:  June 30, 2026 General:  Nov. 3, 2026

U.S. House of Representatives

Christy Peterson

Congressional District 1 — Denver

An accountant and designer in the construction industry and a lifelong Coloradan, Christy is running on freedom, low taxes, limited government, and opportunity for all — championing strong families and a thriving free-market economy.

Visit Christy’s Website

Colorado State Board of Education

Fred Espinoza

Congressional District 1 Seat

A Colorado native who built his career with his hands, Fred is focused on strong academics, real accountability, and safe, stable schools — so every Colorado student has the foundation to succeed.

Visit Fred’s Website

Statewide Republican Primary Ballot

Republicans on your June 30 ballot — visit each campaign to learn more

U.S. Senate

Mark Baisley State Senator, District 4 Visit Website →

Governor

Scott Bottoms State Rep., HD-15 Visit Website →
Victor Marx Ministry Leader, Colorado Springs Visit Website →
Barbara Kirkmeyer State Senator, District 23 Visit Website →

Attorney General

Michael Allen El Paso County DA Visit Website →
David Willson Attorney; retired U.S. Army JAG Visit Website →

Secretary of State

James Wiley Fmr. Exec. Dir., Libertarian Party of Colorado Visit Website →

State Treasurer

Kevin Grantham Fremont County Commissioner; Fmr. State Senate President Visit Website →

Denver Legislative Candidates

State House & State Senate candidates serving Denver County

On the June 30 Primary Ballot

Denver Republicans running for the Colorado General Assembly

State House of Representatives

  • HD-1 Joseph Montoya
  • HD-2 Carey Marin
  • HD-3 Rebecca Winegar
  • HD-4 Ellwood Ervin
  • HD-5 Johnnie W. Johnson
  • HD-6 Kathleen Angel
  • HD-8 Carolyn Barnes
  • HD-9 Thomas Cowhick

State Senate

  • SD-31 Michael DiManna
  • SD-32 Sydnnia Wulff
  • SD-34 Jack Daus
Key Primary Dates
  • Early June 2026 — Ballots mailed to active Republican voters
  • June 22, 2026 — Last day to register and receive a ballot by mail
  • Tuesday, June 30, 2026 — Primary Election Day · Ballots due by 7:00 p.m.
Voting in the Republican Primary

Active registered Republicans automatically receive a Republican primary ballot by mail.

Unaffiliated voters receive both party ballots but may complete and return only one. To weigh in on these races, return the Republican ballot.

Return your voted ballot by 7:00 p.m. on June 30 at any drop box or vote center.

Help Flip CD1 Red

Check your voter registration, then chip in to elect Christy Peterson, Fred Espinoza, and the full CD1 Republican ticket on June 30.

Check Voter Registration Donate to CD1 Republicans

Information current as of June 2026. Candidate fields reflect the certified June 30 Republican primary ballot. Local races for state legislature, county offices, and U.S. House vary by district — consult your ballot for the full list of candidates in your area.

Building a Stronger Future for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District

Denver GOP Flag

Our Mission


The 1st District GOP is dedicated to electing principled Republicans to Congress, The State Board of Education, and the University of Colorado Regents while amplifying our voices at the national level. Together, we champion opportunity, accountability, and a thriving Colorado.

Learn More

  • Scrabble tiles spelling "Be The Change" on a white background showing the way to help the Republican Party in Denver and Congressional District 1.

    Reclaim CD 1 for Freedom and Opportunity

    Colorado’s 1st District—our home—stands at a crossroads. For too long, progressive policies have harmed our way of life. The 1st CD GOP is fighting to restore fiscal responsibility, safety in the city, and the greatness of Denver and Colorado. Join us to take back our District, one step at a time!

  • Map illustrating Denver metropolitan area with boundaries, roads, and nearby cities like Aurora, Lakewood, and Westminster marked.

    Colorado's CD 1

    The 1st Congressional District Republican Central Committee is on a mission to restore Colorado’s heart—Denver and its neighbors—to the principles of limited government, personal freedom, and economic strength. We’re fighting for you, from the Capitol to the city streets. Want to know more about our district?

  • Close-up of a high-speed printing press with blurred motion paper as a counter to democratic propaganda in Colorado.

    Taking Back CD 1, One Truth at a Time

    The 1st District GOP is your frontline in the fight to reclaim Colorado’s 1st District from big-government democrats. We’re countering the media’s spin with real news and bold insights. Denver deserves better, and we’re delivering the updates that matter—unfiltered and unafraid. Catch the latest now!

CD 1 Leadership Team

  • Roger B Rowland, Chair of Colorado's 1st District GOP wearing a plaid shirt and sweater, smiling against a neutral background.

    Roger B. Rowland

    Colorado's 1st District GOP

    Chairman

  • Jimmy Smrz, Vice Chair of Colorado's 1st District GOP with a beard and short hair wearing a brown blazer and pink shirt, smiling in a bright indoor setting with blurred background featuring paintings and plants.

    Jimmy Smrz

    Colorado's 1st District GOP

    Vice Chair

  • Diane Wolta, secretary of Colorado's 1st District GOP with short hair smiling against a black background, wearing a pink shirt.

    Diane Wolta

    Colorado's 1st District GOP

    Secretary

  • Michael DiManna, 1st CD Representative To Colorado GOP State Executive Committee in a suit with an orange tie, against a dark patterned background.

    Michael DiManna

    Colorado's 1st District GOP

    Representative To State Executive Committee