Candidate Introductions
Arapahoe County Democratic Party Reorganization on Feb. 8, 2025
Seen this before? Look for the 🆕 icons!
Get to know who's running! Listing is alphabetical by surname. To see which positions each one is running for, click here.
All candidates on this page have either made the Jan. 29 ballot deadline or been accepted to the ballot for positions still empty. (Check here for open Commissioner District, House District, or Senate District spots.)
Mike Barlow-Roach 🆕
Hello, I’m Mike! A third year law student, public defender student attorney, HD3 precinct organizer, Chair of Arapahoe Young Democrats, and steadfast community volunteer. I pride myself on being there for my community and dedicating myself to public service. As State Central Committee Member I will always show up to represent the people of Arapahoe County, advocating for your needs with passion!
Reach out!
(509) 823-3113
Mark Benford
I'm a lifelong Democrat with progressive leanings who has been active locally since about 2010. I have experience with HD secretary and state Platform committee roles, and am hoping to continue and increase my involvement.
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(832) 876-9171 (c)
Linda Cole
I live in Centennial with my husband, Greg, and my Westie, Lola. I work as a Sales Manager at Verizon. My official qualifications are not impressive… but my heart and soul are committed to serve! I love Colorado and I love our country.. I want to work with other Democrats to defend the values that have made our state and our country the envy of the world. Currently I am the Precinct 241 Organizer and I was very active during the Presidential election cycle. I have been an active volunteer with Indivisible since 2017. Now I want to do more! linda@briteliteselect.com
Melissa Garland
I’ve proudly served as your County Chair for the past two years. I humbly ask for your vote again for County Chair. I’ve been a precinct organizer for nine years and an officer in the Arapahoe Democrats for eight. My tasks changed but my goals remained the same: elect Democrats and encourage Party participation with welcoming spaces open to ideas and feedback.
As Chair, I oversaw financial compliance, and ran caucus, assemblies, and vacancy elections according to state law. I reduced spending by finding new office space. I’m already strategizing with municipal candidates and planning fundraisers for another robust get-out-the-vote program this fall. Together, we launched the South Asian Community Outreach Committee, and with your help we’ll continue building relationships with communities throughout the County.
I’d love to hear from you. Reach me at Melissa@arapahoedems.org
Justin Golliher
As a lifelong Democrat and Colorado resident for over 20 years, I bring two decades of experience in small business ownership and local real estate. I'm committed to revitalizing our party, strengthening our values, and making a real impact to get us back on track. It's time to take action! If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out.
Lula Guilbert
I believe that we, as a party, have better ideas of how to create a more equitable and thriving world but need to be better at our messaging and approach. I can help.
Passions: Civil rights, environmental stewardship, and a livable and sustainable future for all
Experience: Community leadership, education, and political activism
Quote: “All flourishing is mutual” (Robin Wall Kimmerer)
Email: lula.guilbert@gmail.com
James Krefft
We are at the tipping point, Democrats, together...strong.
Contact: 720.291.5309
Joan Lopez
Hello, I'm Joan Lopez and I have been your Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder since 2018. I am the first Democratic elected and the first minority to win this seat. I have been volunteering for the Democratic party for years and enjoy this work. I also stepped up as vice chair of House District 37 in 2014 and continued for years as a precinct leader. I also ran the 2016 presidential election caucus in my area. I would be honored to have your vote. I will continue to be dedicated to the committees I am elected to serve. Thank you.
Devin Lynn
I have served the Democratic Party in various roles including as Secretary of HD3, First Vice Chair of HD41, and for the past year, as Arapahoe County Democratic Party Treasurer. I am focused on strengthening the Democratic Party and electing candidates who share progressive values.
As Treasurer, my primary responsibilities are following campaign finance laws, reporting finances, budgeting, and overall managing ACDP’s finances.
This year, we are responsible for electing progressive candidates in municipal elections throughout Arapahoe County. I am committed to ensuring ACDP finances are properly reported to each municipality so we can invest in progressive campaigns. I ask for your vote so we can continue this important work together.
Contact: devin@arapahoedems.org
Gary McCarty
Hi I'm Gary McCarty. I am running for committee member for the state and county. I believe this position needs someone that is well known and trusted. Someone easy to talk to and most of all, Involved within the party. Please vote for me.
Jim McClellan
Jim McClellan is active with the Air Line Pilots Association, AFL-CIO. He has volunteered for Arapahoe County Democratic candidates and campaigns since 1997. A USMC veteran, Jim cares about the concerns of Colorado veterans. Jim supports bodily autonomy and is committed to supporting abortion rights and LGBTQIA rights. Jim has served as a 2012 DNC Delegate for President Barack Obama. Jim has delivered candidate literature and Democratic voter guides in every election for decades. Thank you for your dedication to our party, and for considering a vote for Jim McClellan.
Karen Middleton
I am running for Chair of House District 42. I am a long-time resident of this part of Aurora and am currently a precinct organizer. In the past, I represented this community as the state representative and a member of the CO state board of education. I am a former chair of Arapahoe Democratic Party and was HD Chair years ago. In this moment, I think it is important to build up our community at the local level. I have the time, experience and energy to grow our volunteers and improve voter turnout. karensmiddleton@gmail.com
Jeff Moser
I'm Jeff Moser, a life-long Democrat, current secretary of CD6 and 1st vice chair of SD29, former chair of HD 41, writer, poet, educator, and community volunteer. Let's build a future together to uplift working families, the poor, and the marginalized. Yes, we can! And we must!
Email: jeff.moser.du@gmail.com Text: 720-354-6605
Eric Nelson
I'm humbled to be stepping back up for various roles for this upcoming Reorganization meeting on February 08, 2025. As I am inspired by the tremendous work we have accomplished over the years, encouraged by our future and growth, uplifted by my steadfast commitment to our constituents' needs; I am one of the best choices to step back up and serve again in continuing to advocate for and serve our constituents' needs in our community and surrounding areas.
Please accept this short introduction and letter of intent reflecting my interest in serving within our leadership again in the various roles submitted. I will be focusing on the following three priorities that after years of hard work, sweat, tears, and observations can help improve operations, support the leadership, and effectively recruit, retrain, and retain volunteers. To learn more, please visit: http://ericnelson.co/
Gena Ozols
I am a proud lifelong resident of Arapahoe and Denver counties and have been active with my county party since I was 18. As a YD Chair, field consultant, campaign manager and advocacy professional in the worlds of Reproductive Health/Rights/Justice, I would appreciate your consideration and vote for State Central!
More info: GenaOzols@gmail.com and 720.984.4612
Jane Ringer
You know me from HD38, I'm the yard sign lady, and I turn up everywhere.
Kristina Tkac
Hello, I’m Kristina, and I’m running for State Central Committee! As an active HD3 precinct officer with experience in emergency management, legal aid, and campaign support, I am committed to making a difference. If elected, I will work to ensure every voice in Arapahoe County is heard and that our policies reflect the diverse needs of our community.
I’d be honored to have your support—let’s tackle challenges and create positive change together!
Let’s connect: kristina.m.tkac@gmail.com; linkedin.com/in/kristinatkac/
Connie White
I have been a resident of Arapahoe Count for fifty+ years. I served on the District Accountability Committee of the Sheridan School District for 20 +years. I graduated from Arapahoe Community College, Metropolitan State College (MSCD), and the University of Colorado. My last degree was in Public Policy. I taught for Denver Public Schools for 21 years and served as Secretary of the Denver Classroom Teachers’ Association and became one of Colorado’s first National Board Certified Teachers.
In 2022 I worked on Rep. Froelich’s campaign and in 2024 I became active in HD3.
Contact: 303-909-9214 meadowlark1948@gmail.com