Dear Friend,

On this July 4th, I will join the Montrose community in a parade to honor our nation’s founding values. Over the years, I’ve marched alongside Coloradans in Greeley, Highlands Ranch, and Denver to celebrate the Spirit of 1776. As “the Centennial State,” Colorado—founded in 1876—has a special connection to our nation’s founding.

The Spirit of ’76 is meaningful to me and my family. We’ve never taken America—and the ideals of America—for granted. I still vividly recall celebrating our nation’s bicentennial at age eight. At that time, I learned how my grandparents and my parents—all immigrants—loved America and our core values.

Our founders fought for liberty and justice for all, They were not afraid to stand up to tyranny. They believed, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, that to secure “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” a government derives its legitimacy from the “consent of the governed.” Our founders understood that a republic—a government without a king—is governed under the rule of law, rather than the whims of a ruler.

As Colorado’s Attorney General, I work every day to advance the rule of law, protect our democracy, and promote justice for all. This mission is more critical than ever, and I take it on without fear or favor. Recently, I was asked if I feel afraid in this environment of rising demonization and division. Here’s how I responded:

Today, as we celebrate July 4th, I invite all Coloradans to be grateful for our nation’s founding values and to renew our commitment to defending our system of government “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” as President Lincoln put it. As Colorado’s next Governor, I will take this responsibility with the utmost importance. Thank you for supporting me in this work.

Phil