You know what, friend?

Donald Trump and his Republican majority in Congress can deny the climate crisis all they like. But it's everyday working Coloradans who pay the price.

This summer, drought conditions gripped Western Colorado. Garfield and Rio Blanco counties hit “exceptional” drought — the most extreme level we track. From the Lee Fire west of Meeker to the Turner Gulch Fire near Gateway, 2025 became our worst wildfire season since 2020, when flames scorched over half a million acres.

And Colorado’s snowpack is off to one of its slowest starts in nearly a decade, while Denver is nearing one of its latest first snowfalls on record.

All of this hurts not just our way of life, but our outdoor economy, which drives jobs, small businesses, and billions in revenue each year.

Climate change isn't waiting for Washington Republicans to come to grips with reality. And the way I see it, neither can we. As the threats of climate change only grow more urgent, state leaders must act with the same urgency to ensure every community's capacity to weather these storms – and that's why I'm running.

But this campaign isn't about me or what I think. It's about the people of Colorado, like you, friend, whom I'm running to serve.

So before I get ahead of myself, I want to know whether you and 4,999 more members of this grassroots team agree. Will you please sound off on my brief climate survey by answering the following question honestly?

Do you think Colorado needs strong climate leadership?

Regardless of where you stand, thank you for speaking candidly,

Michael