Friend,

This past weekend, I joined a group of energetic, college-age Phil for Colorado summer fellows — some of the 70 who have joined our campaign — in Brighton. We went door-to-door to listen to what’s on people’s minds.

Brighton sits in the heart of Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, one of the closest swing districts in the nation. In 2024, it flipped to a Republican member of Congress — someone who recently voted for the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” a reckless measure with devastating consequences for families across Colorado.

But I wasn’t there to debate anyone. I was there to listen and learn.

My team and I asked two questions at each door:

• What is your view of the Big Beautiful Bill, supported by your member of Congress?

• What is on your mind and what do you want your next governor to fight for?

Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio joined me, and here’s what we heard:

• A woman shared that her young niece had to move into a house of five just to afford a roof over her head, many miles away from where she works.

• A disabled voter expressed deep worry about looming cuts to Medicaid and Medicare — lifelines he depends on.

• Former teachers voiced concerns about cuts to education and the toll these cuts will take on Colorado’s most vulnerable students.

At one door, a man answered and said the folks on my list had moved. I pointed out we were both wearing Denver Nuggets hats.

He told me that we didn’t share the same politics. I told him that was okay — I still wanted to know what wanted from his next governor. He paused and said, “Tolerance and acceptance.” My response? “Amen.” And then we celebrated our shared love of the Nuggets.

This is what democracy should look like: bottom up, rooted in the problems facing all Coloradans.

As your next Governor, I’ll support our next generation, fight to make housing more affordable and health care more accessible, and defend Colorado against illegal acts — no matter who commits them, even the federal government.

This is my commitment: We will earn your support by showing up, listening, and delivering results for the people of Colorado.

I hope you’ll take a minute to listen to Patty, whose door I knocked on in Brighton, to hear what’s on her mind for Colorado’s future.

We cannot do this alone. Please donate or volunteer to help us build our grassroots team — or join us for our next canvass this upcoming Sunday.

Phil