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Scott Baldermann Democrat
Residence: Denver
Profession: Software
Education: Masters in Architecture
Experience: HD2A Democratic Party Captain, 2025. Denver School Board member, 2019-2023. Masters Degree in Architecture – University of Nebraska, 2000. Former licensed architect.
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
I am focused on revenue generation and economic development for the state. First, leverage state tax deposits to provide new funding liquidity for public investments modeled after the Bank of North Dakota and “Invest in Vermont”, including mission-driven investments in small business, housing, and student financial aid. Second, repurpose underutilized school district property due to declining birth rates and housing shortages to provide other social services. Third, expand missing middle housing through transit-oriented development and reduce regulations that create more housing choices for first-time buyers and working families in Colorado.
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
I’m focused on putting money back in Coloradans’ pockets. One specific action is to create a state-administered student financial aid program offering significantly lower interest rates for Colorado residents attending Colorado higher education and vocational institutions. This includes refinancing for existing higher education debt. It builds workforce capacity and keeps young Coloradans in the state. Leveraging state tax deposits accomplishes this, and we can learn directly from the Bank of North Dakota model. This is income preservation designed for Colorado’s workforce.
Whether your party is in the majority or minority next year, where do you see actionable common ground with the opposing party?
I am the Democratic nominee, and I want to find common ground with my Republican colleagues through economic development in rural Colorado. We could leverage state tax deposits for small business loans using the Bank of North Dakota’s “banker’s bank” model, partnering directly with local community banks and credit unions for economic expansion. This includes agricultural, sustainability, water conservation, and infrastructure projects that strengthen rural economies. This provides rural community banks with new liquidity to close deals that wouldn’t otherwise happen. My goal is to build wealth across Colorado, including rural communities represented by Republicans.
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 disagree with Governor Polis opting Colorado into Trump’s private educational voucher program under the “Big Beautiful Bill.” He was the only blue-state Governor to opt in. Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Weiser has stated he opposes this, and I support his position. I want Colorado to implement statutory guardrails ensuring that future administrations cannot redirect public education funding to private programs without legislative approval. Colorado voters have consistently rejected vouchers at the ballot box. As a legislator, I will advocate for regulation that prevents siphoning public education tax dollars to corporate special interests.
Carey Marin Republican
Residence: Denver
Profession: Communications
Education: B.S., University of North Texas
Experience: I’ve spent my career in business, not politics. I’m a small business owner with 25+ years solving complex problems, bringing people together and getting results.
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
My three priorities are cost of living, reducing government spending and homelessness.
Colorado is becoming too expensive for many families. Government can’t control every price, but it can stop adding to the burden through taxes, fees, mandates and regulations.
We also need discipline in government spending. Before asking taxpayers for another dollar, we should make sure the money we’re already spending is producing results.
Our approach to homelessness isn’t getting people off the streets and into stability. People struggling with mental illness and addiction need help, but compassion also requires accountability. Our public spaces need to be safe for everyone.
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
We must increase housing supply by reducing regulatory barriers, permitting delays and other government-imposed costs that make homes more expensive to build.
Families also need reliable, affordable energy. Every energy decision should consider the impact on monthly utility bills. We should reduce taxes, fees and regulatory costs that ultimately get passed on to consumers.
State government needs to live within its means, control spending and stop looking to taxpayers for more money. I will protect TABOR and taxpayers’ right to have a say when government wants more of their money.
Bottom line: Government should stop adding to families’ financial burden.
Whether your party is in the majority or minority next year, where do you see actionable common ground with the opposing party?
You don’t solve complicated problems by assuming everyone on the other side is the enemy. I’ve spent my career working with people who have different perspectives and finding a way forward.
At the Capitol, I see opportunities to work across the aisle on reducing housing costs, eliminating regulations that aren’t working and improving educational outcomes.
I’m willing to compromise on how we get somewhere, but not on core principles. Good governing requires listening, working toward solutions and recognizing that no one gets everything they want.
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?
Who becomes governor will help determine whether Colorado continues down the same fiscal path or takes a more disciplined approach that reduces the burden on families and taxpayers.
My focus is protecting TABOR, controlling spending growth and avoiding additional taxes and fees on families and businesses.
We should rebuild strong reserves, review existing programs before expanding spending and hold government accountable for results. We also need greater scrutiny of fees and government enterprises that can increase costs outside the traditional tax system.
State government should prioritize essential services, live within its means and respect taxpayers’ right to approve tax increases.
