Boulder County District Lawyer Michael Dougherty introduced Tuesday that he’ll run in 2026 to be Colorado’s subsequent legal professional basic.
Dougherty, a Democrat, ran for legal professional basic in 2018, however exited the race earlier than the first to pursue appointment by then-Gov. John Hickenlooper as Boulder County’s high prosecutor. He obtained the job and was then elected in November 2018 to a full, four-year time period within the position and reelected in 2022.
Colorado’s present legal professional basic, Democrat Phil Weiser, is term-limited and might’t run for reelection in 2026. As an alternative, Weiser is operating to be Colorado’s subsequent governor.
As Boulder’s district legal professional, Dougherty led the profitable prosecution of the person accused within the mass capturing at a King Soopers retailer in 2021. His workplace additionally helmed the probe into the reason for the Marshall fireplace.
Dougherty additionally beforehand served as head of the prison division on the Colorado Lawyer Normal’s Workplace underneath then-Lawyer Normal John Suthers, a Republican, and held a management place within the Manhattan District Lawyer’s Workplace.
In his marketing campaign launch video, Dougherty cited his work on these circumstances. He additionally framed his candidacy round pushing again on the Trump administration’s insurance policies.
“I’ll use my a long time of expertise within the courtroom and main places of work to guard our values towards Donald Trump and anybody who endangers Colorado,” he stated within the video.
Dougherty, in an interview with The Colorado Solar, stated that as legal professional basic he would additionally focus the legal professional basic’s workplace on investigating public corruption and public security.
“I’ve seen firsthand the vital position the legal professional basic can and should play in relation to public security, shopper safety, defending water and surroundings,” stated Dougherty.
“Colorado shouldn’t be within the backside 10 within the nation in substance abuse remedy and psychological well being remedy being obtainable in the neighborhood,” he stated. “Till we spend money on efforts to assist individuals with underlying challenges, we’re not going to see the enhancements to public security that all of us wish to see.”
Different Democrats rumored to be eager about operating for legal professional basic in 2026 are former Home Speaker Crisanta Duran and Adams County District Lawyer Brian Mason.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold can be weighing whether or not to run for governor or legal professional basic in 2026.
There are not any Republicans operating in 2026 for legal professional basic but. However the winner of the Democratic main is prone to grow to be the state’s subsequent high legislation enforcement officer given the leftward shift of Colorado’s voters. There hasn’t been a Republican elected to statewide workplace in Colorado since 2016.
Weiser received his 2022 reelection bid by practically 12 proportion factors.
