A controversial figure in conservative media, Joe Oltmann, has officially entered the race for the Republican nomination for governor of Colorado. Oltmann, known for promoting false claims about the 2020 presidential election and making inflammatory statements against political opponents, submitted his candidacy paperwork on March 25, 2024. He becomes the 22nd Republican to seek the party’s nomination in the upcoming June primary, marking the largest gubernatorial primary field for a major party in Colorado this century.
This surge in Republican candidates comes as the party aims to challenge the Democratic stronghold in Colorado, where Democrats have consistently dominated statewide elections in recent years. The current field surpasses previous records set in 2018 and 2022, although political analysts expect the number of viable candidates to decrease significantly as the primary date approaches. According to Dick Wadhams, former chairman of the Colorado GOP, historical trends suggest that only a handful of candidates will remain by the time voters head to the polls.
While Oltmann’s candidacy adds to the Republican field, it raises questions about the future of his campaign. Wadhams noted that the size of the primary does not guarantee success, as seen in the 2022 race when only two out of eighteen candidates made it to the ballot. Currently, four candidates who initially filed have already withdrawn from the race.
On the Democratic side, the field is notably smaller, with seven active candidates, including Attorney General Phil Weiser and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. The incumbent governor, Jared Polis, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, which has opened the field for new candidates.
Oltmann has been a polarizing figure within the Republican Party. He has called for the execution of political rivals and made baseless claims regarding election fraud, asserting that Democrats have gained control of Colorado only through illicit means. His rhetoric has included extreme statements about political figures, which have drawn criticism even from within his party.
In a recent announcement video, Oltmann painted a bleak picture of Colorado’s future, suggesting that several elected officials should face imprisonment. He also pledged to eliminate property taxes and promised to pardon Tina Peters, a former county clerk currently serving a nine-year sentence for charges related to election security breaches.
Former state GOP chair Kristi Burton Brown expressed skepticism about Oltmann’s potential impact, predicting that extreme candidates often fail to gain traction in statewide races. She suggested that the size of the Republican primary field reflects ongoing challenges for the party in winning statewide elections, as Democrats have secured all four constitutional offices in the last two election cycles.
Burton Brown also proposed that future candidates should meet more stringent requirements, potentially including monetary commitments, to ensure that only serious contenders participate in primaries. This, she argued, could help prevent an excessive number of candidates from diluting the party’s chances.
As the 2026 election approaches, both state and national Democrats are grappling with challenges following the previous year’s election results. Polling indicates a decline in approval ratings for leading Democrats, with voters expressing unfavorable views of both major parties.
Wadhams emphasized that for the GOP to have a realistic chance of winning the gubernatorial race, they need to nominate a candidate who can navigate the complexities of voter sentiment without getting entangled in divisive narratives. He cautioned that running candidates associated with controversial figures or issues could jeopardize the party’s prospects in down-ballot races.
The upcoming gubernatorial primary is expected to shape the trajectory of the Republican Party in Colorado, as candidates vie for the opportunity to challenge the Democrats’ hold on power in a state that has shifted significantly in recent years.
