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Ava Flanell (i) Republican
Residence: Colorado Springs
Profession: Business Owner
Education: Bachelor’s Degrees in English & Communications, Fordham University
Experience: Current State House Representative for House District 14, I worked in legal and finance for the New York Yankees, and Colorado business owner since 2013.
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
Affordability, public safety, and reducing unnecessary government regulations.
As a Colorado native, I’ve watched our state become increasingly expensive. We need to remove barriers to building entry-level homes so working families and first-time buyers can afford to live here.
Coloradans deserve safe communities. We must take a firm approach to crime, enforce meaningful consequences, and keep repeat offenders off the streets.
Finally, we need to reduce or reform regulations that burden local businesses. As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how these policies affect businesses, jobs, and economic opportunity.
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
The limited supply of affordable housing is driving Colorado’s rising cost of living. We need to streamline permitting and remove barriers for building entry-level homes so more Coloradans can afford to live in the communities they call home.
We need to audit government spending and eliminate duplicative or ineffective government programs before asking taxpayers for more money.
Lastly, we must run a cost-benefit analysis before adopting new environmental policies. Colorado’s energy policies should balance environmental responsibility with affordability and reliability, ensuring new mandates do not burden families and businesses.
Whether your party is in the majority or minority next year, where do you see actionable common ground with the opposing party?
I’m here for the people, not the politics. I will work with anyone, regardless of party, to achieve positive results for Colorado.
In 2026, hundreds of bills passed the legislature, many with bipartisan support. I believe that when we focus on results rather than political divisions, we can find common ground and get things done for Colorado.
A new governor will take office next year. What opportunities are there for legislation or other changes that did not gain traction under Gov. Jared Polis?
I believe the next administration should bring greater fiscal responsibility and transparency. Taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being spent wisely. The governor should be focused on creating an environment where businesses can grow and workers can find good-paying jobs. Overall, I see an opportunity for the new governor to prioritize affordability, public safety, economic growth, and responsible government, while taking a fresh look at policies that have not delivered the results Colorado families and businesses need.
Sarah Emery Democrat
Residence: Colorado Springs
Profession: Attorney
Education: MBA, JD
Experience: Managing Partner, Law Office of Sarah Emery
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
Public Education, Cost of Living, AI and Data Center Legislation
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
For me, affordability comes down to the big expenses families deal with every month: housing, childcare, and healthcare. I would support making it easier to build starter homes, townhomes, and duplexes, while reducing unnecessary barriers that drive up costs. We also need more affordable childcare options so parents can work without most of one salary going to care. On healthcare, I want to focus on lowering out of pocket costs and improving access to primary care, especially for working families who do not qualify for assistance but still struggle with the cost.
Whether your party is in the majority or minority next year, where do you see actionable common ground with the opposing party?
I think there is more common ground than we give ourselves credit for. AI is moving faster than our laws, and I think both parties can agree that we need reasonable guardrails without getting in the way of innovation. I would support transparency around how AI is being used, protecting people from fraud and discrimination, and making sure there is accountability when AI causes real harm. If a good idea comes from the other side of the aisle, I will support it.
A new governor will take office next year. What opportunities are there for legislation or other changes that did not gain traction under Gov. Jared Polis?
A new governor gives us a chance to revisit some issues where Colorado has struggled to make progress. I would like to see more flexibility in how we fund public education, including addressing the long term underfunding of schools. I also think we can take another look at housing regulations that add unnecessary costs and barriers to building starter homes. Finally, I would like to see a more practical approach to AI legislation and data centers, including transparency, energy and water use, and making sure communities see a benefit from that growth.
