Colorado’s 2026 Gubernatorial candidates on the big issues facing the 50-plus

With term-limited Governor Jared Polis completing a second stint in office, voters will decide who will be the state’s next chief executive in 2026.

Ahead of both the primaries and general election, news outlet Colorado Politics sat down with the candidates to discuss their plans and views on the issues facing Coloradans 50-plus.

AARP Colorado sponsored the series of interviews and provided questions that address housing affordability, supporting family caregivers, and other challenges and opportunities facing communities across the state.

All candidates were asked the same questions. Colorado Politics selected candidates for participation based on internal polling conducted within its newsroom, collectively accounting for more than 70 years of combined experience reporting on Colorado political campaigns. The primaries will be held on Tuesday, June 30, and the general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. AARP does not endorse elected officials or candidates for public office.

Below are the interviews for the 2026 gubernatorial election presented in alphabetical order.

Mark Baisley

Michael Bennet

Scott Bottoms

Joshua Griffin

Barbara Kirkmeyer

Greg Lopez

Victor Marx

Jason Mikesell

Phil Weiser